LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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GRACE SUFFICIENT. 



GRACE SUFFICIENT, 



BY 



HENRY ROISSY. 



"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious 

power, unto all patience and longsuffering 

with jog fulness," — Col i,, 11, 




CHICAGO: 
Fleming H. Revell, 148 & 150 Madison St. 

1884. 






o\ 



^ 



3 



Entered According to Act of Congress, 

in the year 1884, by 

H. ROISSY, 

in the OfiQ.ce of the Librarian of Congress, 
at Washington. 




PREFACE 



When we consider the number of books already 
before the public, so well calculated to lead men 
away from sinfulness into the peaceful walks of prac- 
tical Christianity, — books written by those whose 
calling has been the study of Christian experience, 
having viewed it in all its different phases, and whose 
scholarship and piety have amply qualified them, for 
the great and good work to which they have dedi- 
cated hearts and hands, it might almost appear unnec- 
essary to multiply words on this sacred theme; yet it 
has pleased God, in His love and wisdom, to train 
me in a school differing in some respects from those 
in which men usually acquire preparation to meet 
the smile or frown of the world, and in this training- 
school I have learned some lessons which cannot fail 
to prove of lasting benefit to me. All things con- 
nected with God's dealings toward me have served to 
impress the conviction that He is love; that while we 
may be insignificant, God is almighty; that though 
we are weak, at best, and liable to err, He makes no 
mistakes; and in Him is found such sufficiency of 
grace and power, that when even those who are "less 
than the least of all saints" become so related to Him 
that the heritage of faith is actually conferred, a 
shelter is raised for them amid the attacks of Satan 
and his allies, w T hich none of the enemies of truth 
can remove; and at all times, in all places, and under 
circumstances of every description, the soul finds a 
satisfying portion. 



PREFACE. 



I would not keep these lessons wholly to myself, 
for possibly there are others to whom one suggestive 
word may prove a blessing : souls who are praying, 
hoping, yearning for a surer rest than they have 
known; calling for help as I also called so long. 
Now, if at last the veil of doubt or fear or mystery 
is withdrawn, so that I am enabled to walk with de- 
light where once I stumbled, recognizing the hand of 
God, and proving His faithfulness to shelter and de- 
fend, where formerly I knew only the distress of 
uncertainty, shall my whole duty have been performed 
if this experience is smothered within my heart, or 
this light kept under a bushel? I desire to run no 
risks; though the light may not be a great one, for 
the glory of the Master I shall let it "shine," for this 
is His command. 

To such as may be critically disposed, I have but 
a word to say. But one object is before me ; that is the 
conversion of the unawakened, and the comfort and 
profit of believers : and if, with this object in view, 
anything shall be written which is offensive to the 
classic taste, let me ask such patient forbearance as 
your kindness will allow. Some statements may be 
made which fail to convey the truth as clearly as 
they should. May God forbid the infliction even of 
the slightest injury as the result of one misspoken 
word. Let me now ask the prayers of my readers, 
that the blessing of God the Father, Son and Holy 
Ghost, may attend this effort to glorify His name. 

H. R. 



CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER I. 

Page. 

Introductory. ------ 9 

CHAPTER II. 
Want. - - ■ - - - - - 25 

CHAPTER III. 
Deeper Want. - - - - - 41 

CHAPTER IV. 
The Proffered Supply. - - - 58 

CHAPTER V. 
How to Secure It. 74 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Invitation Given. - - - - 91 

CHAPTER VII 

The Invitation Accepted. - - 108 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Shadows. - - - - - - 127 

CHAPTER IX. 
Sunshine. -----.- 148 

CHAPTER X. 

Why Shadows Trouble Us. - - - - 166 



CHAPTER XI. 

Page. 

The Remedy. - - - - - - 185 

CHAPTER XII. 

Walking with God. - - - - - 206 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Grace Sufficient. - - - - - 226 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Rest. _--__-.- 244 

CHAPTER XV. 
Conclusion. 253 



CHAPTER I 



INTRODUCTION. 
Can we enter more becomingly upon the 
consideration of the following chapters, dear 
reader, or form an acquaintance more liable to 
prove of mutual benefit, than by together look- 
ing to God in prayer that His blessed Holy 
Spirit may be given unto us, and that grace, 
sufficient as it is for all phases of human exist- 
ence, may assist us in the impartial perform- 
ance of duty wherever we may be this day? 
Doubtless you can already testify of His abid- 
ing presence, for you have sought and found 
the pearl of great price, which to you is more 
than the w T ealth of worlds; a supply in every 
time of want, a comfort amid hours of perplex- 
ity, and a joy when the avenues of earthly 
pleasure have been closed against you. Then 
have we still greater reason to unite our pray- 
ers, for the consolation is appreciated, not alone 
by one, but both of us; and we shall all the 
more cheerfully enter into the spirit of devo- 
tion. 



i o INTR 01) UCTION. 

How happy the thought, that though stran- 
gers, we may be one in purpose and desire at 
the throne of grace. I should prefer to meet 
you there than anywhere else; for feelings, un- 
comfortable, if nothing worse than that, which 
might possibly exist as the result of differences 
in opinion, are harmonized as we bow in 
prayer. No unkind thought or damaging prej- 
udice may be entertained as we speak the 
words "our Father. ,, No Pharisaic feeling of 
superiority can abide with its corrupting influ- 
ence, when we come into the presence of Him 
who "knoweth the hearts and trieth the reins 
of the children of men." We meet on a com- 
mon level here, children of the same loving 
Parent, differing in denominational persuasion, 
possibly, but both children of Him whose con- 
descending goodness extends to our race the 
privilege of becoming sons and daughters of 
the Lord Almighty. 

Most thoroughly do I believe in prayer; for 
not only as I read the Sacred Word, which 
teaches us that "men ought always to pray and 
not to faint," but as I look within, where mem- 
ory refers me, first, to many wonderful deliv- 
erances in times of trouble, when it seemed 



INTRODUCTION. n 

that no existing power could relieve, and then 
to the hour when the peace of God, passing 
understanding, came as a flood of light into my 
astonished soul, weary as it was from battling 
with its enemy, who Apollyon-like, deter- 
mined to accomplish my overthrow, there is no 
room left for doubt, but a long halleluiah rises 
from my heart to Him who has brought me 
"out of darkness into His marvelous light. " 

We should be much in prayer, for no greater 
source of power is known than this. We should 
ever live in the spirit by which it becomes nat- 
ural and easy to pray without wearying, though 
it be not in audible words, and commune 
with God during hours which otherwise were 
laden with a weight of grief, or loneliness, or 
woe; looking unto Jesus while many are brood- 
ing over sorrows or disappointments of the 
past, which but lengthens their shadow until 
it darkens the present day. He, only, who 
has actually made the trial, understands the 
wonderful power of prayer: how the soul is 
disburdened, and how the future is encircled 
with a halo of light in answer to prayer ! 

One of the most fruitful causes of indefinite 
experience in the Christian church to-day, is 



12 INTRODUCTION. 

that communion with God has come to be re- 
garded as a matter of convenience, more than 
of positive necessity. Many pray but little, yet 
wonder why they fail to grow. But this is a 
duty which cannot suffer neglect without pro- 
ducing results of proportionate detriment to our 
souls' interest. Engaged though we may be 
in the performance of life's secular duties, which 
demand so much time and energy, we cannot 
afford to neglect this imperative duty, for our 
spiritual growth is vitally connected with this 
source of power. The soul becomes feeble in 
the hour of temptation, desires for holiness of 
life lose the intensity which characterizes the 
experience of him who walks hourly with God, 
and the world, with its distracting influences, 
withers and disables the heart when prayer is 
neglected. 

Through fervent prayer the Christian re- 
ceives the baptism of the Holy Spirit in all its 
fulness. Social meetings and the more public 
worship should be faithfully observed, still they 
are not to be regarded as substitutes for spe- 
cial communion with God. It is while thus 
engaged that " heaven comes down the soul to 
greet," and the Christian is raised so far above 



INTRODUCTION. 13 

the perplexities and grievances of life in his con- 
nection with the things of time that they are 
bereft of power to disturb; and Christ, in all 
His loveliness, comes to be his joy and strength. 
Now we need these baptisms of power 
often, for without them it is impossible to flour- 
ish. As in nature, suffering and death are the 
invariable results of long-continued drought, 
and the withering foliage, blighted cornfields, 
and empty granaries, 'declare the destruction 
which rain long withheld has caused, so, 
where the refreshing showers of divine grace 
cease to bathe the soul, a similar result may 
always be observed. I distinctly remember 
the suffering occasioned for want of rain in the 
community where I lived a few years since. 
The fields were parched, the grass was burned 
to its very roots, leaving no indication of re- 
maining life. A beautiful grove just opposite 
my window was the special object of my 
observation. The leaves scattered before the 
scorching winds of July as though terrified at 
the approach of some foreign destroyer; and 
ere the summer months had flown, that grove 
was shorn of its beauty, and stood as in all the 
nakedness and desolation of November. 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

And I have known Christians to become 
the subjects of similar change. They have 
faded; the freshness and beauty which rendered 
their early experience so hopeful, giving prom- 
ise of abundant fruitage, are things of the past; 
there seems to be little beauty or vigor remain- 
ing; and I have asked, What is the cause of 
this melancholy change while the promises of 
God are so numerous and well adapted to every 
case of human want or suffering? 

Could it have been trouble that over- 
whelmed them? I judge not, because a prom- 
ise of deliverance is given for the day of trou- 
ble.* Was it that the lot in which Providence 
placed them proved to be so much more dis- 
tressing than that of others? Granting this to 
be true, even in that case God's grace might 
have been sufficient. But it was nothing of 
this kind. Could you have seen more of their 
unrevealed lives, you would have discovered 
that much unfaithfulness in watching unto 
prayer had been the cause of their decline. 
Oh, I affirm, with God's word as my ground 
for confidence, that no visitation of suffering or 
trial need prove disastrous to our spiritual wel- 

*Ps. 1., 15. 



INTRODUCTION. 15 

fare, but instead of that, if accepted in the 
proper spirit, all shall contribute toward pro- 
moting the sublime consummation desired by 
the true children of God's love; for "we know 
that all things work together for good to them 
that love God, to them who are the called ac- 
cording to His purpose. " 

But if we are to live on this spiritual plane, 
we shall have need of a clear and positive ex- 
perience in the things of God; more so, no 
doubt, than is commonly known among Chris- 
tians; it is so easy to permit the usual dis- 
turbances of life to frustrate the purposes of 
God in us. The question now is, How are we 
to become the possessors of this positive ex- 
perience, this " wisdom that cometh from 
above"? and the answer, echoing down the 
ages from the sacred lips of Christ, and of His 
disciples, chosen and ordained to declare His 
righteous counsel, is, ask for it ! "If ye shall 
ask anything in My name, I will do it." "If 
any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, 
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth 
not, and it shall be given him." "Ask, and it 
shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; 
knock, and it shall be opened unto you. " 



16 INTRODUCTION. 

With the Bible abounding in such prom- 
ises as these, who need remain satisfied with 
a Christian experience so weakly and uncer- 
tain that it threatens each day to sink into its 
grave? Better things are provided for the 
asking, and God is faithful, who will "stablish, 
strengthen, settle you," if with a firm purpose 
to do right, and to be true, you "continue in- 
stant in prayer." Under all conceivable cir- 
cumstances it is necessary to maintain a prayer- 
ful disposition. As some one has expressed 
it, the favors with which you are blessed 
furnish no excuse for neglect; there is dan- 
ger that your heart's affections center upon the 
things of earth; and the stormy course of trial 
is scarcely less dangerous, for the grim skele- 
ton of despair awaits to seize his prey; so that 
in every case our only safety lies in looking 
unto God. 

We exist, independent of our own volition, 
and may become the subjects of trial which 
challenges our fortitude; and all that is left for 
us to do is to face this trial, whether we choose 
to or not, whether we are prepared or unpre- 
pared to meet it. Now, if by some act of faith 
we may become so related to the Divine that 



INTRODUCTION. 17 

His strength shall ever substitute our weak- 
ness, and, virtually, become our own, abiding 
with us, keeping us hour by hour, and empow- 
ering us to overcome such grievances as often 
crush beyond recovery the unbeliever, and 
menace him with despair, what wonderful re- 
sults shall we behold! We shall become might- 
ier with every on-coming storm, gaze with 
fearless confidence at its approach, and smile at 
its baffled rage when it has swept us by. 

There are thousands of God's own children 
to-day, whose countenances tell of an inward 
tranquillity which will abide forevermore; chil- 
dren who have "come up through great tribu- 
lation," and who, had it not been for unshaken 
confidence in God, and uninterrupted faithful- 
ness in prayer, would long ere this have fallen 
by death or met a fate still worse, in becoming 
the subjects of mental derangement. But they 

are mightier now than ever; their testimony to 

• 

God's all-sufficient grace has a ring to it which 
renders it a power wherever it is heard ; their 
lives, so rounded and symmetrical, having 
had the sharp angles of worldliness and inex- 
perience cut away, speak still more convinc- 
ingly than their tongues. They are ready to 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

live, they are prepared to die ; and hold them- 
selves in constant willingness for either life or 
death; They are "in a strait betwixt two," 
though "having a desire to depart, and to be 
with Christ." 

Should we fear any earthly woe, while God 
is ever reminding us that His " grace is suffi- 
cient ? " or should we be unduly concerned as 
to what trials may overtake us ? Rather we 
should be content with such positions as God 
appoints for us, and accept them gratefully, 
rejoicing, meanwhile, in the privilege of suffer- 
ing, if need be, as well as performing His sweet 
will. 

Could we for a moment bridge the inter- 
vening years of labor and cross-bearing, wel- 
come the time of our departure from these 
tenements of clay, and be made conscious of 
our souls' upward flight to glory, with Jesus 
and the angels coming to welcome us home, 
could we listen to the chorus of the redeemed 
host, chanting our reception as they sing 
that through great tribulation we had come up, 
having " washed our robes and made them 
white in the Blood of the Lamb," and then re- 
sume life's duties, time would not be wasted in 



INTR OD UCTION. 1 9 

gazing upon present afflictions, until they be- 
come so magnified as to rise like mountains 
before us, and exclude the richest blessings 
from our vision. 

This little life affords no waste time in our 
preparation for the life to come. When our 
most faithful diligence has been employed in 
the cheerful performance of duty, no margin 
remains for murmuring. We should never, 
never murmur, for it would be an unspeakable 
calamity if we should at last awaken to the 
fact that all our lives long we had been chafing 
against the providence of God, who, in His 
kindness, had only permitted that which, if 
accepted in the proper spirit, would have led 
us out into larger life and opportunity. Since, 
in God's wisdom, the greatest spiritual victories 
are often won while prayerfully enduring tribu- 
lation, let us not shrink from any ordeal His 
love provides, but cheerfully step to the front 
and meet it like men and women. 

We may derive no special comfort from 
being overtaken in the summer's shower, as it 
descends without warning or apology, drench- 
ing us through and through ; but when the 
clouds have parted, and vanished from the 



2o INTRODUCTION. 

heavens, when the thirsty land has quaffed the 
refreshing rain, and yielded its thank-offering 
in countless buds, and leaves, and blossoms, 
we forget the drenching, and blend our praise- 
songs with those of nature to Him who doeth 
all things well. It is thus in Gods dealings 
with His children. He seeks their lasting 
good rather than their present comfort ; and 
when both cannot be made compatible with 
His will, it becomes necessary that a sacrifice 
be made, either of one or the other, and as 
God is all-wise, ever doing what is best, the 
least He can deny is the comfort of this brief 
day. 

How few among the Bible saints rose to 
the zenith of their spiritual strength, thus to 
bless a world by their example, without experi- 
mental knowledge of trial, real and severe ! 
Would God thus have dealt with those He 
loved, unless it had been necessary, and to 
answer the wisest purpose ? Could He have 
subjected Abraham to the heart-rending sor- 
row of preparing for the sacrifice of Isaac, if a 
milder test of faith would have been as well 
for him, and for the world to follow ? Would 
it not have been easy for God so to have over- 



INTRODUCTION. 21 

ruled, that the trials of Job, Joseph, David, 
Daniel and Paul might have been less severe ? 
But these were instruments of God ; men of 
prayer, whom God could trust, and they re- 
quired preparation for their life-work. 

We, also, in our humbler spheres need 
preparation. God would use us as well as 
them ; for we, too, form a part of His great 
plan ; and since experience convinces us of the 
existence of more dross than ever self-exam- 
ination had revealed, yet which must be taken 
from our natures, let us likewise hold ourselves 
in readiness for God's purifying process, even 
though it be a passage through the fiery fur- 
nace. God's love can never fail us even there ; 
and if we may thus best glorify His name, and 
serve the highest interests of those for whom 
we live and labor, not only should we be sub- 
missive, but recognize with gratitude the pains 
God takes to make us all His own. 

And now, kind reader, as we have together 
begun this book with prayer, invoking the 
presence and blessing of the God we love, let 
us look for His fulfillment of the promise ex- 
tended to any two who agree upon earth as 
touching whatever they shall ask. Let us ex- 



22 INTR OD UCTION. 

pect the favor now, for it is our privilege, and 
having obtained it, may we so walk with God 
that our pathway shall become brighter and 
brighter " unto the perfect day." 

But possibly you who scan these lines are 
a stranger to the love of God ; and though 
possessing sufficient interest in spiritual things 
to induce you to peruse a religious book, have 
never given serious thought to the subject of 
our consideration, nor dreamed that even for 
you the truth was written, "Except a man 
be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of 
God." John iii., 3. 

You have listened to the finest sermons, 
attended the most thrilling social meetings, 
but notwithstanding all, you are without hope 
and " without God in the world." What fur- 
ther can be done ? We desire to help you. 
What words shall we use, what arguments em- 
ploy, that you may be induced to give this 
subject your thoughtful attention ? 

Still looking to the dear Lord for guidance 
in this matter, praying that some simple 
thought may find its way to your heart with 
the message of God's love, we devote our first 
energy and time in an effort to remove the un- 



INTRODUCTION, 23 

seen manacles which all these years have been 
binding you hand and foot, lift the veil which 
has kept the light and warmth of spiritual life 
from entering and illuminating your soul, and 
to awaken you from the slumber, which, if left 
undisturbed, must terminate in death. 

They tell us with dismay, of the Christian's 
stormy voyage, where trial, cross-bearing and 
temptation replace the prolonged lethargy of 
him who has never listened to the voice of 
God. But should we crave ease, when a little 
tossing on the billows will make us stronger 
men ? Shall you desire cool and pleasant bow- 
ers, where, without an effort, you may fold 
your arms and sink away into unconsciousness, 
as though there were nothing more to do, for- 
getting that evil spirits as well as good are 
hovering about you, diligent in fulfilling their 
mission of death, when the furnace is the puri- 
fying power you most need ? No ; the ease 
may be gratifying, the bowers may be 
beautiful, but you desire to be saved ; you 
have but once to live, a moment of time in 
which to prepare for eternity. Reason bids 
you seek the wisest preparation possible, 
though at the cost of everything you once held 
dear. 



24 INTR OD UCTION. 

If God sees best to give all things that 
make life beautiful, they shall be yours. If He 
well knows that they would draw your thoughts 
from Him, trust Him in their refusal, for this 
is no less truly an evidence of His love. But 
whether they be given or withholden, seek God 
Himself with all the energy at your command ! 
You may live, and even prosper, while many 
of His favors are denied, but you cannot live 
without God / Existence is then undeserving 
of the name, for it is maintained under the 
divine displeasure, while conscience confirms 
the testimony that your whole duty is not yet 
performed. Convinced of this, dear reader, 
can you protract the delay? " To-day if ye 
will hear His voice, harden not your hearts/' 



WANT. 25 



CHAPTER II. 



WANT. 

Who is able to paint the pictures which 
force themselves before our vision, at the mere 
mention of this word ? Hungry eyes, and 
still hungrier mouths, appealing to our hospi- 
tality, present their unanswerable arguments, 
demanding the support which love cannot re- 
fuse. Shivering frames, but thinly clad with 
remnants of what could not shelter from the 
winter's blast if free from tatters, speak vainly 
to the unmoved revelers in ease and luxury, 
telling their pitiful story of privation and dis- 
tress. Tired feet, from journeys now too long, 
but not yet half completed, seek rest where 
only mockery is given, and turn again to tread 
the dreary paths of hope-deferred. Hollow 
cheeks there are, white and ghastly, and forms 
so weak that even the mild breath of June, 
coming but to imprint the kiss of welcome, 
and play about these wearied ones as if to 
cheer their future with the hope which, in this 



26 WANT. 



world, can never be fulfilled, must be restrained 
by coverlets and blankets, lest its good-natured 
rudeness prove fatal to them who walk the 
borders of the grave. And human hearts, 
conscious of suffering far more acute than can 
possibly afflict their fleshly tabernacles, call ur- 
gently for the relief, which, while withheld, 
subjects them to such torture that health suc- 
cumbs, and reason begins to totter, confirming 
our assertion that this is a world of want. 

Can words too forcibly depict the failure, 
disappointment, captivity and anguish imposed 
upon humanity by disease, that merciless enemy 
of the race ? It cripples the body, enfeebles 
the intellect, takes away the opportunity for im- 
provement, binds the hands of those who would 
minister to the needy, blights the hopes of 
youth, withers the arm and mocks the worthiest 
endeavors of the mature. It beclouds life's 
sunset, which should be clear and serene, with 
the melancholy shadow of enfeeblement, and 
only when sanctified by the Almighty can it be 
of any possible benefit to man. 

People of intelligence and means, especially 
Christians, should ever be known as the avowed 
opposers of disease. They should labor to re- 



WANT. 27 



sist its first approach ; should fight it to the 
last ; give it battle to the death ; and strive 
with all the energy they can command, to an- 
nihilate this bold intruder upon their happiness 
and dignity. It found its birth in sin, and 
with sin let it be destroyed ; for in itself it is 
a curse, not a blesssing ; a foe, not a friend. 
No man, either saint or sinner (other things 
being equal), can do as well while burdened 
with it as he can without it. 

Special conditions may indeed be furnished 
by it for " grace to abound," but grace is not 
dependent upon physical conditions. A mighty 
intellect, upheld and sustained by unbounded 
physical health, and consecrated to God and 
the good of humanity, can accomplish more 
for the salvation of the race than one which 
must constantly be held in check, lest too great 
exertion prove disastrous and induce an over- 
throw. Many, we are aware, can testify that 
it was not until brought low by sickness that 
they were led to meditate upon eternal inter- 
ests and seek the God of salvation, and that 
11 before they were afflicted they went astray." 
But there was no necessity for this straying ; 
it was not the fault of God, and His grace 



28 WANT. 



might have proved as sufficient to sustain them 
throughout a lifetime of uninterrupted health- 
fulness as it has under the actual conditions, 
had they been obedient to the voice of God. 

Perhaps sickness even bequeathed an ex- 
perience which now enables the once afflicted 
one to render valuable assistance to others 
who suffer likewise ; but if the monster were 
driven from the world there would be no de- 
mand for such assistance. It is generous and 
noble to bestow this needed sympathy and labor 
of love, but better would we all be if, with 
the equilibrium of sound judgment, which is 
the result of normal development, we might 
serve God and humanity in the absence of such 
physical and mental disturbance as the weak- 
nesses, pains and distortions of disease impose 
upon the human race. Yet the intruder en- 
ters, notwithstanding all that we can do; and 
for a time at least, we must suffer from its ills, 
though we battle faithfully against it. Let 
us rejoice in overcoming grace, while with 
pain we lament the bitter want of comfort 
which everywhere appears in the form of sick- 
ness, that meets us at every turn. 

Aside from loss of health, which holds its 
rank among the richest blessings of this ma- 



WANT. 29 



terial life (a fortune which the millionaire may 
covet, while pillowed helplessly upon his downy 
couch, and surrounded by every comfort that 
means, sympathy and love can furnish), few 
misfortunes are dreaded more thoroughly or 
universally than the loss of property. Nor is 
this dread unreasonable, for it is the right of 
him who labors faithfully to receive the just 
reward of his endeavor. When God declared 
that M in the sweat of his face " man " should 
eat bread," he sanctioned the acquisition of 
property ; not the love of it, but He gave His 
command that man go forth into the world, 
and by honorable toil, secure for himself and 
those depending upon him for support, a fair 
return for the work bestowed. 

Visit, if you please, society's fairest circles, 
where culture, talent and luxury abound; enter 
the palaces of lords, and accept from them the 
most extravagant expressions of favor and 
good will; extend your search to the mightiest 
of earth, where the noble and valiant tell of 
victories won for truth, who spurn dishonor as 
an unpardonable crime; but you will not dis- 
cover a more deserving man than is the honest 
laborer: the man who meets and performs life's 



So WANT. 



simple duties as they are presented day by day, 
without a murmur, content with the small 
gains provided by his diligence, until, by per- 
severance and economy, he finds himself the 
possessor, not merely of what is necessary, 
but many of life's luxuries. 

This man appreciates the comforts which 
accumulate to bless his days. He enjoys them, 
and it is his privilege, for he has earned them. 
His rest is sweet, for he knows what labor 
means. Life is pleasant, for he toils not with- 
out an object; and year after year, with a 
bounding spirit he beholds the happy circle, 
where innocence, health and beauty, with 
sparkling eyes, and faces brim-full of sunshine, 
drive from his heart all sorrow that may have 
sought and found admittance there. This un- 
broken circle, as it appears in the persons of 
these little ones, who still have no further 
thought than to trust him fully for the supply 
of every want the father is so glad to satisfy, 
renders him a happy man, and promotes his 
success in life. 

Now, to have the accumulations of his 
faithfulness swept away in an hour of time, 
to be rendered homeless in a day, to have 



WANT. 



3i 



those willing hands hang powerless to provide, 
to meet the expectant countenances of those 
dear ones for whom he would willingly die, if 
necessary, and who had never in all their days 
known by experience the meaning of want, 
as they imploringly ask for bread, is a trial 
hard to bear. It seems cruel; and who (unac- 
quainted with God's love), could chide the man 
for wondering at the mysterious providence 
which had grieved his spirit and shattered his 
earthly prospects? 

Yet how painful is the restraint in which 
are held the thousand willing hands of those 
whose highest joy would be to ease the pain, 
bear the burdens, share the sorrows, and min- 
ister to the requirements of the helpless and 
infirm, but who, to keep the wolf away from 
their own doors, are compelled to give time, 
strength and labor in the monotonous struggle 
for daily bread. 

How the thirst for knowledge, which in 
this world is destined to remain unquenched, 
must suffer the inflammation always consequent 
upon following, from necessity, pursuits which 
are distasteful, while the whole being is con- 
suming with a burning fever, longing to tear 



32 WANT. 



itself away, and drink to its satisfaction of the 
well of knowledge. There scarcely is anything 
so exasperating to the ambitious soul, or so 
difficult to endure without a murmur, as the 
consciousness that within slumbers the undevel- 
oped power of accomplishing a cherished object, 
while the opportunity for doing so, being stub- 
bornly withheld, compels him in defeat to aban- 
don his project. Yet this is one of the trials 
of the poor ; they would rise, but are held in 
check ; they would benefit the world, but labor 
under disadvantage ; and while to-day we bless 
the memories of the great and good, who have 
arisen from obscurity, there is an unwritten 
history of talent, genius, and ability, coupled 
with benevolence, which, but for the chains 
imposed by poverty, w r ould have lessened im- 
measurably the sufferings of this world of want. 
And while this position may possibly be a re- 
minder of dependence (a thought which the 
affluent are prone to forget), the temptations and 
sufferings peculiar to poverty are so numerous, 
that a happy mean may without impropriety 
be desired. 

But why, in portraying the wants of man, 
do we dwell merely upon those conditions of 



WANT. ss 



bodily suffering, or the estate in which he maybe 
found at any time, forgetting the more impera- 
tive demand upon our attention? These things 
but lightly touch the real man, while from his 
deeper being comes a cry of torture, the echo 
of which, upon the world's stony heart, awakens 
small response, save from the faithful few with 
whom his heart is twined. It is the cry extort- 
ed by throes of pain from the heart, which, in 
life's springtime, swelled with the hope that has 
been left partially or wholly unfulfilled. Have 
you ever known the agonies of thirst? Can 
you depict the feelings of him who has long 
been kept from drinking to his satisfaction from 
the cooling spring, and, after suffering almost 
beyond endurance, with eyelids reddened, and 
swollen tongue, is brought where he can feast 
his eyes upon the laughing water, and listen to 
its music as it leaps and dashes from the rocky 
crevice, but is chained at the very point where 
his most desperate reach just fails of procuring 
for him what alone can save him from the 
tortures of a living death? Then may you 
understand the experience of those whose hopes 
found birth, but were continually deferred as 
they peered wistfully into sorrow's blackest 



34 WANT. 



night, still hoping that the day was soon to 
dawn, till finally, in the dimness, a light ap- 
peared, so bright and beautiful, that their assur- 
ance of the morning filled their souls with 
rapture, — but alas! instead of sunlight it was 
only the vivid flashing of the lightning, rendering 
the after-darkness more intense, and forboding 
a still fiercer storm. 

The death-angel spared not the little prat- 
tler who filled the home with his overflowing 
merriment, nor the loyal sharer of your joys 
and sorrows; but though you prayed as you 
never had prayed before, that your life's joy 
might be spared to comfort you, it could not 
be; for a better home awaited those you cher- 
ished, and your torn spirit refused proffered 
cheer, and entered with love's lifeless forms 
into their graves. Can we too fully appreciate 
these treasures of to-day, when to-morrow 
they may have left us ? Let us patiently per- 
form the labor, and cheerfully bestow all 
needed care; for it is only when the echo of 
the footfall has ceased to be heard, it is after 
we have listened to the last good-by from 
the voices which, in this world, shall never 
more rejoice our spirits, it is when those 



WANT. 35 



lips have imprinted their last kiss, and death 
has closed those beaming eyes, that we 
fully know how dear they were to us. We 
then can scarcely believe that our hope, just 
beginning as it was, to ripen into realization, 
is shattered beyond recovery, that we are but 
turning our feet into unknown paths, where 
deeper shadows than we had ever known are 
to exclude from our vision the light we cherished 
so. We are astonished, we are bewildered, 
and cannot realize the truth. But it is so, and 
no one can help it: the loved ones are gone, and 
shall not return. Let the tears flow, let the 
hearts bleed, but this will not repair the loss. 
The fate is inevitable. 

My friend, you are in this world of want. 
You never knew the meaning of that term before 
this sorrow came, but now it meets you every- 
where. Your heart has been touched; and life 
is almost unendurable. Nothing seems able to 
divert your crushed spirit from the thought 
of the bereavement. Yet you must live, and 
endure and face the future, though withered 
beyond expression. Can any sorrow be com- 
pared to this? A wounded spirit, a broken 
heart? But the world abounds in just such 



36 WANT. 



grief as this! Tell me of some hidden nook, 
some corner of the earth, where the blest sub- 
jects are strangers to this blight of sorrow! I 
wish to go there and see how people live. We 
speak with folly, for it does not exist where 
man is found. 

We meet this trial everywhere. We read 
it on haggard faces moving down the thorough- 
fare, which brighten for the moment when ad- 
dressed, as if to deny the truth they fain would 
conceal. We detect it in the listless move- 
ments of stricken ones as they mechanically per- 
form the daily round of duties, tenfold heavier 
now than when their hopes, radiant and beau- 
tiful, gave inspiration for their labor. It betrays 
its victims within the hallowed sanctuary, 
where, from a hundred homes, way-wearied, 
tempest-beaten, hunger-smitten souls assemble, 
eager to hear God's ambassadors tell of joy 
and peace and rest, and listen to the soothing 
strains of melody, which bequeath a thousand 
comforts to the sorrowing heart. 

But why prolong this contemplation? Why 
dwell upon a theme so familiar to us all? Why 
open wounds which have commenced to heal? 
Let this suffice; and let us turn our thoughts to 



WANT. 37 



brighter things. We have been looking at the 
picture with a dark cloud overshadowing. Let 
us now turn it to the sunlight, for there is a 
bright side; and we shall see that a supply has 
been provided for all these earth-wants, which, 
sooner or later, shall be given, to turn into re- 
joicing all the sorrows of the faithful. These 
grievances and heart-wounds, severe though 
they be while they remain, cannot last always, 
and are to culminate in everlasting rest; and the 
blessed hope of immortality, so sure and stead- 
fast, should thrill with a new joy all hearts that 
fail to find their consolation here. Then how 
much sweeter will be our peace at the remem- 
brance of faithfulness amid the wildest storms 
that could afflict us in the world! 

Is sickness for a day to be compared with 
cloudless glory for ten thousand ages? Can 
homelessness and poverty greatly disturb an 
heir of God, the God who has given promise 
of a mansion, arranged by Jesus Christ, His 
Son, already gone before to "prepare a place" 
for him, and which but awaits until he has 
proved faithful just a little longer upon life's 
stormy pilgrimage? He is but a stranger here 
cit best; the richest palace would not be home 



3% IV A NT. 



to him, for his heart is with God, and he would 
desire to depart even though provided with 
the best that earth can furnish. 

And is there great necessity that hearts be 
deeply torn by death or disappointment, when 
from above God's voice is calling, "My son, 
my daughter, 'give me thine heart/ ' and in 
whom dwells the power as it nowhere else 
exists, to "bind up the broken-hearted?" To 
dwell with God forever is worthy the sufferings 
of a thousand years; much more the trial of our 
fleeting sojourn here; and when the might'and 
grace of this unfailing Friend are given to as- 
sist and cheer us, there comes to be a strange 
exultant triumph connected with the thought 
of patiently enduring the pain which is then 
rendered powerless to harm. 

What ill can crush the man whose unmoved 
confidence in God doubts not His power to 
sustain? While timid friends of little faith 
tremble at his expected downfall, and foes, 
charged with malignant glee, commence too 
soon their wicked sport, he simply rests; he 
hides himself in God, until the storm is over: 
and then, to the astonishment of all, comes 
forth like one resurrected from the grave, pre- 



WANT. 39 



pared to re-enter the field of conquest, and 
achieve still greater victories for God, by her- 
alding to a doubting world the sustaining power 
of God's sufficient grace. 

What can the blight of sickness do to him 
who has thus learned to walk with God? It can 
afflict him for a little time, impair his strength 
until he is unable to work for the Master as he 
might wish, but it cannot touch his faith; and 
he believes that, should God desire his assist- 
ance, He will provide the necessary power; 
that "as his days his strength shall be;" that 
a heavier burden shall never be imposed than 
God furnishes ability to bear; and as each cord 
of hope, which binds his trusting soul to earth, 
is cut away, his unfettered spirit contemplates 
the anticipated change with joy, and not with 
grief, until freed from this earth-clod, which 
has detained it now so long, it soars away from 
trial, pain and sorrow, to rest forever on the 
bosom of Infinite Love. 

Nor can poverty inflict a deeper wound: 
for the companionship of Jesus, the poor man's 
friend, who, by experience sad and lonely, 
knew what it meant to want, having been home- 
less and weary without a place to lay His head, 



4o WANT. 



is most wonderfully comforting. Close by the 
side of the unfortunate He takes His place, 
journeys with him day by day, thrills his heart 
and invigorates his weary footsteps as He gives 
words of sympathy and promises of the better 
Country, so that the weariness and toil are 
measurably forgotten in yearnings to depart, 
that he may see these glories for himself and 
"behold the King in His beauty.'' 

And though the heart know its full share of 
sorrow in the remembrance of faded hopes, as 
this same Sufferer tells so kindly of His own 
heart, pierced and broken in our behalf, we 
forget the bitterness of our little cup of sorrow, 
and join His waiting ones in their glad song of 
praise, that after enduring a little longer, they 
shall be forever with the Lord. There is a 
bright side, and the pain we suffer is not so 
distressing as it might be. Many of our trials 
disappear as darkness before the rising sun, and 
those remaining are buried when our wearied 
frames demand their final resting-place. 



DEEPER WANT. 41 



CHAPTER III 



DEEPER WANT. 

But let us suppose that this well-founded 
hope of future blessedness, which gilds the 
darkest storm-cloud, rendering it rather an ob- 
ject of sublimity than of dread, does not exist; 
and that all of comfort, rest or satisfaction 
the expectant heart may obtain, is limited to 
what this life affords. No heaven, where those 
who overcame, recount their victories, but for- 
get their sorrows; no reunion of loved friends, 
whose memory we cherished for words of 
cheer, deeds of love, and smiles which so elec- 
trified our being, that labor for them was de- 
light; no peace of mind, at consciousness of 
forgiveness of sin which we well knew merited 
the condemnation we now dread, but a dim 
uncertainty of everything beyond the grave; 
a fear, coupled with gloomy apprehension that 
possibly some unthought-of calamity is about 
to add to the catalogue of earthly want and 
trial a more distressing visitation, as the pen- 



42 DEEPER WANT. 

alty of sin. Who, under such conditions, 
would be able to maintain his cheerfulness, or 
look upon life with a large degree of satisfac- 
tion? Fifty years of much sorrow and disap- 
pointment, during which we vainly hoped for 
happier days, and no prospect of relief! Show 
us the man who is able to tolerate the thought! 
Let him arise, then let him speak, and tell to 
a sorrowing world w T hat magic power was born 
in him, by which he is qualified to meet the 
storms of time and eternity, without the favor 
of the God of Love! His words would die 
with no more influence than the pointless argu- 
ments of one deranged. Well might we curse 
the hour that brought us'to the light. With 
good reason we might testify that life is a farce, 
and is not worth the living, if all our gains are 
to be outweighed by hopelessness and remorse. 

And yet, dear stranger to the love of Christ, 
such is the life that you are leading! ''Without 
God and without hope ! " # Living among men 
who seek their own and love you not, com- 
pelled to meet a destiny of w T eal or woe, sub- 
ject to such griefs as afflict man who is "born 
unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward," griefs 

*Eph. ii, 12. 



DEEPER WANT. 43 

which defy the sympathies of the faithful few 
who fain would lift from your heart the sorrows 
they would gladly share, but which must be 
borne in solitude, as a crushing weight that 
wears your strength away, and no help for the 
present nor hope for the future! Was ever 
want as sore as this? Your life is a history of 
the deepest kind of want; and though you 
have been living on, unconscious of, or but 
partially awakened to, the startling fact, as he 
whose life is being undermined by some un- 
known but subtle malady, the fact remains; 
and I mean to let you know it, that measures 
may be taken toward a remedy. So listen 
kindly as I seek to describe the condition of 
your soul; and as you are made conscious, first 
of one want, and then of another, be not back- 
ward in assenting, but acknowledge that it is 
so. 

Though the theme may not be as pleasing 
to consider as those of the chapters which shall 
follow, be patient with me, for it is important 
that you should understand what is your con- 
dition while a stranger to God's love. 

First, then, you are in want of peace. To 
illustrate the meaning of this may not be out 



44 DEEPER WANT. 

of place. When we behold the glassy lake, 
smiling in its sequestered beauty, with its sur- 
face so calm and free from wavelets that the 
foliage upon its borders is mirrored in its 
depths, we say, "This is a peaceful lake. " 
When two nations, formerly at variance, seek- 
ing by bloodshed to defeat each other's pur- 
poses, have put down their weapons and signed 
the treaty, we say that they are now at peace. 
And when two hearts, one human and one 
divine, blend in perfect sympathy, with the 
rebellion of the former, which alone had been 
at fault, subdued, and all disobedience aban- 
doned, when we know that this human heart 
performs the commands of the divine, we testify 
that it is at peace with God. 

Now we have asserted that you are in want 
of peace; and unless you can bear testimony 
to the power of God's converting grace, it is 
the truth; for "there is no peace, saith my 
God, to the wicked;" # and without exception, 
"the heart is deceitful above all things, and 
desperately wicked. "t "They have all gone 
aside; they have altogether become filthy; 
there is none that doeth good, no, not one." J 

* Isa. lvii, 21. \ Jer. xvii, 9. % Ps. xiv, 3. 



DEEPER WANT. 45 

The cup of pleasure may be filled, the voice of 
merriment may drive, for an hour, uneasiness 
from the mind, but when all is quiet, and the 
soul is left in the presence of its Maker, if that 
soul has not been brought to Christ, there is 
no peace. God is righteous, and His law has 
been transgressed; and wherever the guilty one 
may be, the piercing eye of God beholds him. 

We have known people to suffer from em- 
barrassment while engaged in the performance 
of actual duty, by the presence of those who 
would not cease to gaze at them. They have 
repeatedly been made to understand what it 
means to be hampered by uninvited scruti- 
nizes, who have refused to leave either the 
workmen or their handiwork alone; and they 
have been disturbed, notwithstanding the fact 
that they were doing right, executing work- 
manship of which they needed not to be 
ashamed. 

But how intensified was this annoyance 
when, at the dictation of some evil spirit which 
for the time predominated, they did wickedly! 
perhaps defrauding a confiding neighbor — thus 
inflicting upon themselves still deeper injury — 
and were watched in the very act! The hot 



46 DEEPER WANT.. 

blood coursing through them as an electric 
fire enkindled the blush of shame they vainly 
sought to conceal; the downcast eye, which 
could no longer look into the face of the aston- 
ished friend, was the poor substitute for the 
apology they were powerless to give; and the 
necessitated watchfulness of this neighbor, 
whose trust had thus been shaken, became a 
source of torture to them. 

And yet, oh sinner, there is an eye fastened 
upon you, from whose vigilance you cannot 
escape. The shadows of night do not seclude 
you from its gaze. Take the "wings of the 
morning" and flee to earth's most solitary hid- 
ing-place, but it will detect you there; and 
with the consciousness of guilt, from the trans- 
gression of God's holy law, how can peace 
dwell within your darkened soul? It is impos- 
sible. 

Then, too, you are not at peace with your- 
self; for conscience, the faithful monitor, is at 
work within, destroying the pleasure which sin- 
ful indulgence would otherwise afford, admin- 
istering its just rebuke, searching out and 
bringing to your notice each secret fault. Oh, 
tell me not of inward tranquillity while far away 



DEEPER WANT. 47 

from God; for though the cry is "peace, peace," 
it is not true, for there is no peace. What 
want to which the flesh is heir can be compared 
to this? We may be poor, but true; ill, but 
ready to obey; bereaved, but trustful; sad, yet 
still rejoicing in God's love; but we cannot be 
at variance with our Maker, and at the same 
time enjoy the peace which attends obedience 
to God. 

Then, you are in want of such advantages 
as only Christian experience can afford. Pos- 
sibly you have all things else, but you are 
poor, and would be poor with a double portion 
now placed at your command. These things 
are convenient and desirable, but they are 
uncertain; and should not be mistaken for 
exhaustless fountains of delight. They afford 
a degree of this, they always will if rightly used, 
and should be sought with diligence, to answer 
the purposes for which they were designed, but 
not as food for the immortal soul. Everything 
in its place will prove a blessing, but out of 
place, may work incalculable injury. Salt 
is good, but not to slake the fevered sufferer's 
thirst. Ice is a blessing in its place, but fur- 
nishes no stimulant to the smoldering embers, 



48 DEEPER WANT. 

as fire is required to defy the rigor of win- 
ter. And the abundance which Providence 
has conferred in acknowledgment of your 
tireless energy, may furnish opportunity for 
the accomplishment of good, and promote 
enjoyment which otherwise must be denied 
you; but God never designed that these little 
things, great though they may appear to you, 
should be accepted as substitutes for Himself; 
nor that you should be so unwise as to close 
your eyes to the Benefactor, from the tips of 
whose fingers drop these minor comforts, while 
He still offers you Himself. If the favors He 
bestows, monopolizing as they do the undivided 
thought of their recipients, are so appreciable, 
what must God Himself be? Content not 
yourself with accepting a few tokens of His 
goodness, by which you judge Him to be a God 
of benevolence, but satisfy your heart by actual 
test, and you shall find His love so overwhelm- 
ing, that the material comforts once accounted 
as your greatest dependence, will sink into 
such comparative insignificance, that whether 
still extended or withdrawn, life will hold for 
you an independent charm, unknown amid 
former days of most unparalleled prosperity. 



DEEPER WANT. 49 

The human soul, immortal as the God 
who made it, has cravings for such food as 
nothing touching merely the physical and intel- 
lectual can satisfy: it always has been so, and 
always will be; for it is in the nature of man's 
being; and this craving is for God Himself, in 
whose image he was made. Nothing ever has 
satisfied or ever will satisfy the human soul but 
God. We need not tell you this; you know it 
well. There have been moments when, alone 
with God and nature, every form in earth and 
sky has seemed to tell you of another world, 
and a better life, where sin is unknown, and 
this nervous dash for fleeting comforts gives 
place to something more substantial; and had 
it not been for the dread uncertainty connected 
with the thought of its approach, you would 
almost have desired to see the dawning of the 
morning which should initiate you into the 
glories of this strange new life; for so much of 
strife and weariness have always been coupled 
with whatever you have gained, and such 
consciousness of hunger still unsatisfied has 
accompanied its attainment, that, with those 
of whom Paul tells us, who had seen much of 
earth, you have desired a better country.* 

*Heb. xi, 16. 



50 DEEPER WANT. 

You cannot help it; the feeling is there, and 
must remain; for it is begotten by God and 
not yourself; and oh, what a failure he makes 
of life, who comes into the world and returns 
to dust, without heeding the voice of the Divine 
bidding him lightly to esteem the things of 
time, and give his supreme affection unto God! 
Yet this is the position of the unconverted. 
But reader, if you are unsaved to-day, we 
pray you consider carefully before turning 
heedlessly from these thoughts, for the sub- 
ject is directly brought to your attention. 
Responsibility is now laid upon you which pos- 
sibly you failed to realize before. You need 
God. You know it, I know it, God knows it. 
Nothing but the consolation of His forgiving 
presence can afford you the comfort you crave 
this hour. You may not have known the 
meaning of trouble as many have, but in this 
world it is usually well learned. Before you re- 
turn to earth you doubtless shall have had your 
full share in one form or another; and when you 
find yourself tossed by its highest billow, re- 
member the prediction entered here. Prepare 
for it! Seek the never failing shelter of God's 
sufficient grace; for you need this most of all. 



DEEPER WANT. 51 

Let me present this thought in other words 
and preclude the possibility of mistaking the 
theoretical for the practical. This is rather an 
appeal from my heart than a book of theory, 
that you may be brought to meditate upon the 
most vital interests of this earnest life. There 
are theorizers enough without me, and I will not 
interfere with their necessary work, but simply 
strive to lead you out of darkness into the light. 
God has done this for me, and now I must 
speak, lest my duty should be left unperformed. 
So may the dear Lord direct the arrow of con- 
viction, as in scanning your experience you are 
convinced that the need of your life is, heart 
knowledge of God. 

Nothing is more common than an intel- 
lectual knowledge of Him; for people either 
read their Bibles, or are so nearly related to 
others who do, that it is almost impossible for 
those of intelligence to remain long without 
such knowledge. The boast of a skeptic to me 
one day was, that when young, he committed 
to memory the New Testament; yet he was a 
stranger to God's saving grace. And this 
thought is but suggestive of facts connected 
with the lives of thousands whose opportuni- 



52 DEEPER WANT. 

ties have been far more extended than those of 
this poor man, whose position and associates in 
the world tended but to keep him from the 
house of God. 

I mean the throng of hearers who idly listen 
to the preaching of the gospel, appreciate the 
force of each convincing thought in which their 
souls' condition is portrayed, but go their way 
and straightway forget what manner of men 
they are. # These are useful men, without 
whom many of the interests of the church 
would suffer; they hold positions of respon- 
sibility and trust, are never wanting in the 
hour of emergency, but are, nevertheless, 
strangers to God's love, having only the form 
of godliness. They are aware of it, and so 
apparent has the fact become to all, that it may 
be stated without danger of passing uncharita- 
ble judgment. 

As the roar of the cataract in its noisy 
course has ceased to disturb the repose of those 
long accustomed to the sound, the story of a 
dying Savior's love falls without effect upon the 
ears of these regardless listeners, and their 
callous hearts remain unmoved. Of all the un- 



*Jas. i, 24. 



DEEPER WANT. 53 

converted, these. are most difficult to reach. 
Yet their want of practical godliness is not less 
than that of the Indian who has never heard the 
name of Christ, while their opportunities ren- 
der them more responsible a thousand fold. 
Is this the condition of our reader? What 
then can be done ? Is there any power in 
words of argument, warning or entreaty? 
Plead not your good works for a moment, 
for though your labors have encircled you by 
the wall of self-assurance which appears to 
you impregnable, it must come to the ground; 
for it is built without foundation. Your na- 
ture is polluted with the sin which is but 
vainly hidden from the eyes of men; nor can 
the loftiest pretensions wash away the stain. 
Can the Ethiopian change his skin? Though 
he wash him in the purest water that ever 
gurgled from the mountain side, though he con- 
tinue his ablutions to his dying day, the color 
remains the same; he is black, and all the 
waters of the ocean cannot wash him white. 

So it is with your soul, oh you who for all 
these years have professed so much. Why 
wear before men the garments of a saint, yet by 
unholy example restrain honest enquirers from 



54 DEEPER WANT. 

coming to the folcj of God? .Do you imagine 
that the church can cleanse your sin? Though 
the churches of earth were to unite, with their 
power tenfold augmented, they would be un- 
able to save you, and for all that they can do, 
you must descend to the darkest despair! 
What now will you do? You are lost! You 
are lost! ! and to this very hour there is no life 
within your darkened soul. Weep and lament! 
you do well to weep, for vainly shall you seek 
shelter within the hallowed church, while your 
heart is still withheld from the Mighty to Save! 
False Christians by flattery may perchance de- 
ceive you, and you may deceive yourself; but 
you cannot deceive your Maker; in His sight 
you still are " wretched, and miserable, and poor, 
and blind and naked. " 

There is great satisfaction in laboring for 
those whose hearts are stirred at the story of 
God's love, and who yield them to His service, 
the only tribute of gratitude they can give. 
Who would not labor for them? Who could 
refuse strength, time, or pains, when the result, 
in penitents, bowing at the Hallowed Cross, 
cheers the Christian onward in his work of love? 
It is a scene that pleases God, and which the 



DEEPER WANT. 55 

angels behold with joy. But when faithful dil- 
igence is met with cold reserve, and no impres- 
sion is made upon those who knew it all 
before, # the Christian would feel depressed 
were it not for the consciousness of duty 
done, and that he can leave results with God. 
Yet who does not know that unnumbered 
inconsistent ones burden the church, hinder 
the cause of God, and expose themselves to the 
risk of a frightful doom, forasmuch as their sin 
is against light and knowledge? Do we talk 
of want? This is want which baffles my 
power of expression, and so I shall not attempt 
it; but leave the enlightened sinner who pre- 
sumes to withhold himself from God, to the 
meditation of his own heart, and the mercy of 
the One he disobeys. 

But here I am confronted by one, who, 
with unpretended innocence, has another story 
he would tell. After reading and heart-search- 
ing he declares himself unconscious of the ex- 
istence of such wants as we have named. Con- 
science seems not specially to accuse; as for 
peace with God, he never considered the 
thought; the consolation of Christian expe- 

♦Luke xii., 47, 48. 



56 DEEPER WANT. 

rience is something of which he has not dreamed, 
and such a thing as knowing the way but re- 
fusing to walk therein, is a mysterious incon- 
sistency of which he would not be guilty. He 
is untroubled, unawakened, comfortable, un- 
conscious of any serious lack, and would not be 
disturbed. My friend, in that same testimony, 
so innocent and unaffected, you express one 
of the greatest wants of all. And if you re- 
main undisturbed from this hour, it shall not 
be from any fault of mine. I am going to do 
all I can to arouse you, then leave you to 
your own responsibility. 

Were you reposing on the border of a preci- 
pice, you would thank me for awakening you; 
if you were sleeping in the upper chamber, while 
the crackling flames below were madly leaping 
toward you, I should, in arousing you, only per- 
form the kindness of a friend; but you are doing 
what is worse, and it is time for you to be ap- 
prised; so regard me only as a friend, though I 
speak plain words in the endeavor to convince 
you how far you are from peace and safety. 

You say you are " unconscious of the want. " 
Does that testimony change the fact? Is not 
the blind man, approaching (as he supposes) the 



DEEPER WANT. 57 

draw that bridges the stream, but which has 
been swung, as truly nearing a watery grave 
as though he were conscious of it? And shall 
he not as inevitably meet his doom, unless pre- 
vented by some friendly hand? 

My friend, you are walking a dangerous 
path, but you cannot see your way; yet the 
Stream of death is no less certainly before you. 
We pray you to stop! Stop where you are, 
lest the next step be a fatal one! God has 
said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot 
see the kingdom of God. " You have not been 
born again. Your own testimony is the clear- 
est evidence to the fact; and you cannot see 
the kingdom of God. You need salvation, 
whether conscious or unconscious of the fact. 
No argument is necessary to convince you. 
Now what are you going to do? seek it, turn 
from the open bridge, or go forward to your 
own destruction? Take your choice; but if it 
be death, say not you perished ignorantly, 
with no one to offer a warning word. 



58 THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 

Rest is never so welcome as when contin- 
ued toil has wearied us. He most appreciates 
the reviving power of joy who has been torn 
by deepest sorrows. Hunger long endured 
renders palatable the plainest food. We be- 
come accustomed to the sunshine after many 
days of cloudless beauty have bequeathed their 
charms to our appreciation, and storm-clouds 
but prepare us to herald its return with heartier 
cheer. No man can speak of home with the 
satisfaction of him, who, throughout years of 
wandering, has learned, to his heart's sorrow, 
the withering power of loneliness: and none 
can look forward to the supply of want with 
such interest and expectancy as he whose keen 
convictions have impressed the persuasion that 
his lack is not a fancy, but is deep, sore and 
distressing. He is then prepared to seek it 
with an intensity of feeling which is something 



THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 59 

new to him; former efforts were comparatively 
feeble, made from duty or inclination, but now 
necessity induces them. 

Men as a class toil for daily bread, but none 
will be induced to put forth such exertion as 
he whose arm is nerved to prepare for fast ap- 
proaching famine. It is the duty of every one 
to preserve and sustain the life and health 
which God has given; but no such diligence is 
shown as wiien they are held in jeopardy. 
And though you may have known for years, 
kind reader, th^t something has been lacking 
in your life, the absence of which has produced 
occasional unrest, it may be that you are now 
more thoroughly awakened to the sense of 
want, and are craving its supply. 

I hope that this is so, for I wish to tell you 
some things which, in that case, may prove of 
lasting advantage to your life; and I am going 
to presume it is so. I am going to presume 
that you are without the supply, that you de- 
sire above all things to have it, and this will 
enable me more clearly to point it out to you. 

God loves us. Whoever has learned to 
observe this truth, and to respond, will net 
be heard murmuring of his wants; for in God 



60 THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 

he will always find such a bountiful supply, that 
if he speaks at all, it will be of the marvelous 
goodness of the One who has come to be his 
all in all. Can you consider the nature of love, 
which always blesses, but is never known to 
curse its object, associate the thought with the 
boundlessness of infinity, and then conceive of 
any want God's children suffer, that this love 
cannot or will not supply? Such want does not 
exist. God has created us, and holds the power 
to satisfy our every want. If He loves us He 
will not withhold any good thing within His 
power to bestow. Now if He has the power, 
and is willing, our wants shall be supplied as 
naturally as the earth is supplied with the light 
and heat of the sun, unless the supply is for- 
feited by some preventing cause. Let us con- 
sult His word on this point and see what He 
has promised. 

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He 
shall give thee the desires of thine heart. ,,# 

"But my God shall supply all your need 
according to His riches in glory by Christ 
Jesus, "t 



Ps. xxxvii, 4. f P^il- iv, 19. 



THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 61 

"O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is 
no want to them that fear Him. "$ 

"They shall be abundantly satisfied with the 
fatness of Thy house ; and Thou shalt make 
them to drink of the river of Thy pleasures. "§ 

Now after such assurances as these, if we 
are conscious of existing want, let us not judge 
that it is owing to inability or unwillingness on 
the part of God to supply us, but rather a 
failure, somewhere, on our part, to comply 
with the conditions. Remember evermore that 
God loves you; let that thought sink deeply 
into your heart; let it cheer you by day and 
comfort you by night; let it intensify each joy 
and lighten every sorrow ; let it strengthen 
you in weakness and give courage for the hour 
of trial. Sing it to those you love! Tell it to 
the world! Whisper it in prayer! — God is Love. 
But you call for evidence; something more tan- 
gible than this. The promises are good, it is 
well to hear atid say that God loves us, but 
let us have more substantial proof that it is so. 
Pictures cannot satisfy the thirsty, words fur- 
nish little strength to him who calls for food. 



% Ps. xxxiv, 9. § Ps. xxxvi, 8, 



62 THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 

We are thirsty, we are hungry; give us satis- 
faction! Convince us that God loves us! 

One of the first and surest evidences of love 
is sacrifice. If there is no sacrifice we may 
well question the genuineness of all profession. 
The world over, love and sacrifice are insepar- 
able. Would it be natural for a father profess- 
ing much love for his daughter, to withhold 
food, raiment, shelter or defense while it lay 
within his power to furnish them ? Would he 
be a true man, while speaking words of love, 
to betray unkindness of heart ? We do not 
look for such manifestations from a father. 
The true father is always moved with pity and 
compassion toward his defenseless child. Her 
call for aid reaches to his very heart, and en- 
sures the most sincere response. The greatest 
sacrifices to promote her happiness are gladly 
made. And could a son confide in a mother's 
love, however warmly expressed in words, if 
her bearing toward him was habitually un- 
kind? No; and it is unnatural for the maternal 
heart to confer such pretended love as this. 
Nothing on earth is stronger than a mother's 
love, and it clings when everything else has 
been swept away by misfortune or even dis- 



THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 6 3 

grace. No burden is too heavy for the mother 
to bear when she bears it for her own boy. No 
task imposed is so difficult that she hesitates to 
undertake it. She considers it a joy to bear 
the burden; the disagreeableness of the task is 
forgotten in the pleasurable thought that she is 
conferring a favor upon one who is dearer to 
her than her own being- 
While he is absent she thinks of him, prays 
for him, and nothing is left unperformed that 
will minister to his comfort, or contribute to 
his success. Somehow, his wardrobe is kept 
in neat repair, he little knows by what devotion 
of her time and labor, and never shall if she is 
able to prevent. She will not tell him, how, 
after the other loved members of the house- 
hold had been provided for with all that her 
thoughtfulness alone could suggest, and had 
retired to sleep away the troubles of the day, 
he was not forgotten, but that the midnight 
lamp furnished her with light, as stitch after 
stitch was taken, that this boy, her heart's idol, 
might pursue his studies without embarrass- 
ment at the distant college. 

She can never do too much for him. She 
cannot do enough, though her share of "worn- 



64 THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 

an's work " is never done. Perhaps he does 
not deserve such attention, we cannot tell; but 
whether he deserves it or not, 'tis given just as 
cheerfully, and no one can hinder her. She 
will work for him any way , as long as she is 
able. No matter how numerous her duties, or 
oppressive her cares, there will always be a lit- 
tle time to devote to the interest of her boy. 
Why is this? What prompts such sacrifice? 
The answer is, she loves him; and stands ready 
to give, not only time and labors, but life itself 
for him if necessary. Her willingness to sac- 
rifice, better than any words that she might 
utter, demonstrates the love she will never 
deny. 

And it is the same wherever love exists. 
Garden-beds are searched for the sweetest bou- 
quets. From the marts of trade, the handsom- 
est birthday gifts are purchased, regardless of 
expense. Handiwork, the result of the most 
careful toil, is given. Years of labor, in behalf 
of those beloved, are made to pass as though 
but a few days had gone. Homes are adorned, 
luxuries are obtained, the benefits of art and 
education are secured, fortunes are amassed, 
fame is won, and everything that can be acquired 



THE PROFFERED SUPPLY, 65 

by skillfulness of hand or brilliancy of mind, is 
offered at the shrine of love. We affirm that 
true love is always accompanied by sacrifice of 
some kind. Is its object in danger? We are 
there to protect. In trouble? We hold our- 
selves in readiness to assist. In pain? We 
will provide relief at any cost. In sorrow? 
That sorrow must not be borne alone, but we 
come at once to share it. And the most con- 
vincing demonstration of our affection is al- 
ways to be seen in the cheerfulness with which 
we subject ourselves to pain or sacrifice, that 
we may benefit the one we love. 

Now we have asserted that God loves sin- 
ful man. What proof have we of this ? What 
sacrifice has He made as a demonstration of 
this love? Oh, let all the people know! Read, 
every one, these words: " God so loved the 
world that He gave His only begotten Son, that 
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, 
but have everlasting life."* This great sacri- 
fice who can understand ? The longer we think 
of it the more wonderful does it seem. Had it 
been rendered for loyal and obedient subjects, 
the marvel would not be so great; but it was 

* Jno. iii, 16 



66 THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 

for the benefit of foes. Yet it was willingly, 
cheerfully made. The love which would induce 
a father to sacrifice time, energy and means, to 
secure the rescue of his innocent and confiding 
child, we all can comprehend; we can even see 
how he could consent to defend that child at 
the hazard of his own life; and, furthermore, to 
lay down that life in his behalf. Such affection 
would be the natural expression of the paternal 
heart. But this would be the profoundest 
exhibition for which we might look, from any 
father. " Greater love hath no man than this, 
that a man lay down his life for his friends. " 
But how utterly bewildered would we be to 
think of a father consenting to the sacrifice, 
not of his own life, but of the more precious 
life to him, of a child beloved, for the pur- 
pose of delivering from the penalty of death 
one who had misused and wronged him ! 
Yet God so loved the rebellious world, that, 
for its rescue, He gave His only begotten 
Son! 

There were the angels chanting about His 
throne, but those fair ones were unequal to the 
work. He searched His realm, but none save 
One could answer the demand, and save our 



THE PROFFERED SUPPLY, 67 

doomed, rebellious race! His son! His only 
son! And so He gave Him! " Go," He said, 
" Thou art my dearest, best beloved, my great- 
est; I give Thee for the ransom of the world! " 
Oh, reader out of Christ, you know it all; you 
have heard it from your childhood — this story 
of God's love! You have listened to your 
sainted mother as she told it and made you 
promise you would meet her in heaven by-and- 
by. Your father has read it until the old fam- 
ily Bible is worn out; yet it is meaningless to 
you. 

Careless one, God loves you. How shall 
we make you understand it? Defy His pa- 
tience, forget His kindness, spurn His mercy, 
if you must; but He loves you still. 

Thoughtless youth, in whose heart the fires 
of ambition burn, content yourself without 
Him, if you can; search the earth for some- 
thing better than His love, if you think it can 
be found — search diligently, for time is passing, 
and you have not yet gained your heart's de- 
sire; but when your feet are weary, and your 
heart is sad and disappointed, look to God! He 
will hear, for His love will not forsake you. 
Nay; wait not till then, for time is short, and 



68 THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 

death comes suddenly. Venture no delay; 
He loves you now, then seek His face at once! 

And you, upon whose hoary head would 
rest to-day a crown of glory, had you been 
walking in the ways of righteousness, but who 
have been impervious to conviction these 
twenty years, God loves you. Explore still 
further, if you must, the regions of sinfulness, 
whose labyrinths ensnare their victims in ever- 
lasting death. Your time is short, you have 
not long to stay; but if at any time you find 
yourself separated from hope by a gulf which 
is impassable, remember that it needed not to 
be so, for you also were the object of God's 
love. 

But we do not purpose to enter upon an 
extended explanation of the vicarious atone- 
ment of Christ, for we believe that by far the 
greater number of our readers have a fair un- 
derstanding of that theme already; perhaps all 
of them. And should any one be ignorant on 
this subject, the New Testament, if searched, 
will give better instruction than anything would 
be that I can say. Most of our unconverted 
readers are classed among those who under- 
stand, but have never embraced the Gospel of 



THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 6 9 

Christ. They have not realized how much 
God would be to them if they accepted Him, 
though they have read it again and again; and 
so we wish simply to bring this thought to 
their special consideration by asking, "What 
want is there that God will not supply? If His 
love is so great that the best at His command, 
the greatest treasure in heaven or earth, the 
dearest to Himself of all, His only Son, was 
freely given, is there anything within the scope 
of our imagination that He will refuse? r ' In 
the words of the Apostle, let me ask, "He that 
spared not His own Son, but freely delivered 
Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him 
also freely give us all things?" And is it ex- 
pecting too much for us to look for the actual 
supply of the wants we so sorely feel? Indeed, 
no! We are His own children, and should 
look for nothing less than this from Him. Let 
us not do Him who is our Father the injustice 
and dishonor of doubting either His power or 
His love by expecting anything less. 

If you, as a father, had bequeathed to your 
son a fortune sufficient to keep him from finan- 
cial embarrassment for the remainder of his life, 
yet had withheld one or two conveniences, the 



7o THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 

loss of which you would not notice, but with- 
out which your son would feel disturbed, and 
be quite unhappy, would you refuse to grant 
your boy's request, as with saddened heart he 
made known to you the secret of his sorrow? 
You could not find it in your heart to do so; 
but with sympathy for his sufferings, and joy 
that you were able to appease them, you would 
at once grant his desire. 

Now God gives Christ to all who will ac- 
cept Him, and, moreover, has promised to with- 
hold " no good thing." . . . But suppose 
your boy refused the fortune proffered, how 
different the case would be! Your surprise 
and disappointment that the best you could 
bestow was spurned, would be immeasurable, 
and compel the wise conclusion that less valu- 
able expressions of your love would also be 
undesired. So in the case before us. If, for 
any reason, Christ, God's richest gift, is dis- 
dained, how can God offer a lesser gift? If 
Christ is accepted fully , we may well expect 
that all minor wants, with Him, shall be sup- 
plied; if He is rejected, we need look for but 
little at God's hands, for in the act of rejecting 
Him, we are guilty of the greatest possible 



THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 71 

ingratitude, and merit the punishment which 
shall not be slow to come, as the just penalty 
of our sin. " He that despised Moses' law died 
without mercy under two or three witnesses: 
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, 
shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden 
under foot the Son of God, and, hath counted 
the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was 
sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done de- 
spite unto the Spirit of grace?" # 

Would you, my reader, be guilty of such 
ingratitude? Indeed, you would not! No 
human friend, whose love might prove incon- 
stant, would be likely to receive such treatment 
at your hand as that; much less the God whose 
love can never change. Then we conclude that 
you are ready to accept God's proffered help — 
a supply for every want! and join you in praise 
to Him who withholds u no good thing from 
them that walk uprightly." 

What, then, do you want? Tell us, that 
we may assist you in obtaining the supply. Is 
it peace, that you may look up with confidence 
knowing all is well? that God no longer frowns, 
but smiles upon you? that, as you look within, 

* Heb. x, 28, 29. 



72 THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 

where once the lashings of accusing conscience 
brought pain to your soul and imbittered each 
cup of pleasure, there may be no further accu- 
sation? The Lord holds it for you, He is the 
God of peace; and may "the peace of God, 
which passeth all understanding/' keep your 
heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Is it 
the consolation which only Christian experi- 
ence can afford you? that when fortune fails 
and reverses afflict, you shall have a reserve 
upon which you may draw as largely as you 
wish, and which, like the widow's cruse of oil, 
will never be exhausted? that when storms of 
trouble which no doubt will come, burst, as 
tornadoes, upon the quietude of your life, shat- 
tering hopes and defeating cherished plans, you 
will have a hiding-place, a safe and happy 
shelter? This, also, is to be found in God; 
and you, with the confidence of David, may be 
enabled to say, " For in the time of trouble 
He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret 
of His tabernacle shall He hide me." 

After many years of faithful attendance at 
the house of God, but without a knowledge of 
His saving power, are you at last convinced 
that without Him you can do nothing? Be 



THE PROFFERED SUPPLY. 73 

thankful, and know that your case is within 
the bounds of God's sufficient grace; for " God 
is able to make all grace abound toward you; 
that ye, always having all sufficiency in all 
things, may abound to every good work." 

Or is your greatest need the realization of 
your sinfulness, which is essential to the proper 
effort toward escape? God is also equal to that 
emergency; indeed, His Spirit only can awaken 
the soul dead in sin, and is given for that pur- 
pose — a guide, to lead us unto Christ. If God 
has given Christ, who is " the way, the truth, 
and the life,'' will He refuse guidance to blinded 
souls that they may be led to the way they can- 
not see, and walk in it? Let the remembrance 
that God is Love forbid such injustice to His 
benevolence. 



74 HOW TO SECURE IT 



CHAPTER V. 



HOW TO SECURE IT. 

Knowledge which is at no time put to prac- 
tical use, can be of but small account, and may 
even prove to be a fruitful source of pain. It 
were better that the rich man never knew of 
the place of rest where Lazarus was to be for- 
ever free from the poverty and suffering of 
earth, with the glories of an eternity in God's 
presence just before him, than to be tortured 
by the consciousness of what might have been, 
had he, "in his lifetime, " made proper use of 
the wealth which God had given him. If he 
could have supposed himself to be no worse 
off than others, that all were to be equally un- 
fortunate, that there were no place of rest from 
whence so much as one drop of water might 
be craved to cool his tongue, there possibly 
would have been at least a faint hope of tol- 
erating the punishment with a degree of resig- 
nation. But the knowledge of that far-off 



HOW TO SECURE IT 75 

heaven, the intervening gulf, the opportunities 
forever gone, the conviction that his unhappi- 
ness had been self-imposed, and that he, also, 
might have gone with Lazarus to share the de- 
lights of that land of rest, but can never, never 
do so now, — this knowledge but intensified his 
agony, while it conferred no possible good. 

Likewise must the intelligence that for our 
every want there is a bountiful supply, affect 
us, if by negligence, misfortune, or any con- 
ceivable cause we fail of obtaining our heart's 
desire. And I could not consider myself guilt- 
less, after having awakened in any human 
breast a desire for these better things, were I 
to proceed further without giving the clearest 
instruction within my power, as to how they 
may be secured. To tantalize is to torture, 
and he who perpetrates the deed is cruel. Let 
me be innocent. I would not trifle with an 
awakened, conscience-smitten soul. We have 
told you that your want is needless; that in 
Christ may be found an adequate supply. But 
that is not enough. How shall it be made 
available? — this is the question which concerns 
us now. The granary may be filled with 
wheat, but we starve unless admittance can be 



76 HOW TO SECURE IT 

gained. There is enough pure morning air to 
expand ten million lungs twice told; but what 
is that to him, who, locked within the stone- 
bound vault, is stifling from the poison of the 
deathly prison-house? Unbolt the door, spring 
the lock, break the hinges, anything, any way 
to rescue him; but release the prisoner, for he 
is dying; and make haste, or it will be too late! 
Now throw up the windows, or carry him to 
the door, and let him breathe freely. The 
man is saved! 

There is food for the sinner from the finest 
of the wheat, still he is famishing. There is 
such atmosphere for him to breathe as might be- 
come to him a source of endless life. There is 
water for him to drink which might quench his 
thirst forevermore.* It is the love of God! 
Above him, below him, on every side, and ex- 
tending out into infinity! It is a mighty sea! It 
is a boundless ocean ! It reaches to heaven ! It 
spreads unto the uttermost parts of the earth! 
But the prisoner is in his cell! Satan has 
bound him hand and foot. I hear the clanking 
of his chains. The door is locked and bolted 
and barred! He is smothering, gasping, dying! 

* Jno. iv, 14. 



HOW TO SECURE IT 77 

Let him out! Release the prisoner for the 
love you bear the race ! He is our own brother, 
flesh of our flesh, and he is perishing! Soon 
it will be too late! Oh, who will help us to 
unlock the iron door, and bring him to the 
place where he may breathe and drink and 
live ? Jesus, thou friend of sinners, assist our 
feeble labors; Thy help is needed, for our 
strength is small! Thanks be to God, He does 
assist! He came to earth for this. Hear the 
utterance sublime: "The spirit of the Lord 
God is upon me; because the Lord hath 
anointed me to preach good tidings unto the 
meek; He hath sent me to bind up the broken- 
hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, 
and the opening of the prison to them that are 
bound ; to proclaim the acceptable year of the 
Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; 
to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto 
them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them 
beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, 
the garment of praise for the spirit of heavi- 
ness, that they might be called trees of right- 
eousness, the planting of the Lord, that He 
might be glorified, "f 

flsalxi, 1, 2, 3. 



78 HOW TO SECURE IT. 

Still you enquire, "How shall the knowl- 
edge of God's power to save and to supply my 
wants, be made available? How shall this ful- 
ness become my own, so that I may say, 'He 
is my Savior, He saves me now , and with Him- 
self has promised all things?' ,: The medium 
through which you are to be made partaker of 
the treasures of the Infinite may be expressed 
in these few simple words: — 

"Believe and accept the testimony of God's 
love for you through Christ, in whom is seen 
its greatest manifestation; and salvation is yours 
with its attendant privileges." "By grace 
are ye saved through faith) and that not of your 
selves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lestany 
man should boast. " # Then, when you have thus 
received as a gift this great salvation, be true 
to God and love Him in return. God has loved 
you and loves you now. He has given Christ 
to saye you. If you believe it, and if you ac- 
cept His love and His sacrifice, what else can 
you do but reciprocate His love? Now I have 
given you the answer in brief. But this in- 
struction stands for a principle that will revolu- 
tionize your entire life. You may not have 

*Eph. ii, 8. 



HOW TO SECURE IT. 79 

been very bad before; possibly you have been 
as good as the young ruler who sought to 
know what he must do to be saved, and when 
apprised, concluded not to do it. You may 
even have been as good as that; but if you 
bring yourself to heed this advice, a radical 
change will nevertheless be wrought. We 
shall now see what the confidence you thus 
exercise in God will induce you to do or sacri- 
fice at His desire. Though your salvation is 
accepted through faith, certain works will also 
characterize your life; for God requires that 
"the wicked forsake his way and the un- 
righteous man "his thoughts, and that he return 
unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon 
him." Suppose now, that your past life has 
been displeasing to God in some way and that 
you are aware of it; suppose that, notwith- 
standing the fact of your having come up to 
quite a fair average according to the world's 
estimate of goodness, there still have been 
many ways in which you have consciously dis- 
obeyed His commands and thus grieved His 
spirit. Will you continue to do such things 
after plighting your faith so solemnly? Know- 
ingly, you cannot, if you are true. Instead of 



8o HOW TO SECURE IT 

that, the thought of having grieved Him will 
give birth to a sorrow which will melt your 
heart, start the tear of penitence, and engender 
such a hatred for sin that you will flee from its 
approach as from a venomous serpent. The 
very fact that sin is displeasing to God will be 
sufficient to drive you from it; and the self- 
denial required in forsaking sin will be a joy 
because it is rendered for the One you love. 
How easy the life of faith will become if you 
are actuated by such a principle; and with what 
willing feet you will hasten to do the bidding of 
Him you have learned to adore! You will not 
hesitate as you consider the possible results of 
performing at His command what seems to you 
an unpleasant service, to say the least. One 
consideration alone will ever suffice to subdue 
such uprisings as would, if cherished, render 
you uncomfortable and mar your peace; and 
that consideration is, that you are doing the 
w T ill of God; and, regardless of results, for 
which God Himself becomes responsible, you 
will proceed without a question or a fear. The 
remembrance of God's love to you, how He 
saw death's cruel blow descending upon you, 
and though you were indifferent and rebellious, 



HOW TO SECURE IT 81 

how He sent His Son, who cheerfully came 
and received that blow Himself, though He 
already knew that it was to be at the cost of 
His life — the vision of your Savior in the 
garden, wrestling there alone, with the burden 
of this world's sin crushing Him, forgotten by 
His disciples, His Father's face withdrawn, 
His breaking heart extorting the testimony, 
"My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto 
death/' — the remembrance of this, and the 
thought of the untold benefits purchased thus 
for you, will so thrill your heart now given up 
to Him, that you will be unable to do enough 
for Him in return; and when He says "Forsake 
all and follow," you will obey, though it be at 
the greatest sacrifice you have ever known. 

If it becomes a question whether you will 
have God or certain pleasant associates of 
former days, whose company and attractions 
always gave you joy, but who are careless and 
even flippant when subjects of religious import 
are considered, these associates shall hear from 
your lips a firm but friendly adieu, for creatures 
shall "no more divide your choice," and your 
selection of friends shall be made from among 
those who also are lovers of your God. 



82 HOW TO SECURE IT 

If former worldly pleasures, harmless though 
you had always considered them to be, present 
their demands upon your attention and a portion 
of your time, yet bring with them a disturbing 
influence which checks the progress of this new 
life, and throws a chill upon your ardor, one 
look to God for help, one thought of His sacri- 
fice for you, and the remembrance of His 
command will be sufficient. All these worldly 
considerations must go; you will forsake them 
now and forevermore. And so with all things 
strictly sinful, and those of which you have 
serious doubts; if you are related to God as you 
ought to be, you will be restrained from 
indulging, lest it should displease Him. 

The highest possible motive by which we 
may be actuated in seeking God, one which 
seems to me most worthy a child created in 
His image, one which must insure His special 
notice, and appeal most effectively to His great 
heart of love, a motive which might well com- 
mand the admiration of the angels, and arrest 
them in their songs of praise that they may 
listen and look down to see, — is to seek God 
because we know that He is love, that He 
cannot do wrong, that He is worthy of our 



HOW TO SECURE IT S3 

utmost confidence, and that a desire to know 
Him has led us captive; that we behold so 
much of goodness, kindness and benevolence 
in Him, as to render us unable to longer do 
without Him; that since we have listened to the 
story of His sacrifice for us, we are impelled by- 
uncontrollable longings to know Him for our- 
selves; that we must know Him at any cost; 
that life is unendurable without this knowledge; 
that our hearts are broken because we still are 
strangers to the One who loved us so. 

Oh, let such meditations work upon the sin- 
ner's heart, lead him to forget himself in the 
effort to secure this treasure, to "sell all that he 
hath" that he may obtain it; no other inspira- 
tion will be necessary to a life of purity, loveli- 
ness and self-sacrifice. He scarcely will know 
the meaning of duty, for his love to God will 
give delight to the most menial service, because 
it is rendered for Jesus' sake. Privilege will be 
the word expressive of his thought, for every- 
thing is a privilege which is rendered as an 
offering of love. Crosses will become strangely 
light, though to others they are burdensome; 
for a new idea shall have taken possession of 
his being; it is the thought of pleasing God; 



84 HOW TO SECURE IT 

and if cross-bearing is most pleasing unto Him, 
it also is most pleasing to the bearer. 

But just here some one arrests us, whose 
objection finds a counterpart in ten thousand 
honest hearts, and it is this: 

"I cannot feel thus toward God. I am or- 
thodox in faith, I believe that Christ 'came into 
the world to save sinners/ but everything seems 
unreal to me. My heart is stubborn and obdu- 
rate; no such feelings toward Him were ever 
born in me; to make myself love God is an im- 
possibility; I would do so if I were able, but 
lack the power. I have listened to stirring ap- 
peals, attended meetings of protracted effort, 
but my heart has never been moved for an 
hour. Is there any help for me?" 

We answer: "Yes, there is help;" and if 
you will consent to accept it, you, also, shall be 
brought into the light. Still remember that 
God loves you, and that He has provided a way 
for your escape; a straight and narrow path 
which leads to everlasting life. You cannot 
see that way, which is Jesus Christ; something 
else is necessary to bring you to it, that you 
may safely walk in it and stumble not. 



HOW TO SECURE IT 85 

• 

He who is unacquainted with the trackless 
forest, and unaccustomed to explore its laby- 
rinths, cannot be expected, without a guide, 
to walk in safety there, or come forth to the 
roadside without taking many an unnecessary 
step. He may not be far from the highway, 
though unconscious that it is so near, and may 
yet wander far astray. For hours he may 
weary himself by taking steps which but place 
him further from his rest; or he may uncon- 
sciously ramble round and round, supposing 
he is moving directly onward,only to reach, 
at last, the point from whence he started. 
There is no certainty of his finding the road 
or the woodman's cabin while he thus wanders 
silently and alone. And how great is his dis- 
comfort as in solitude he seeks the relief which 
is still so near. He is in trouble; the thorns 
have pierced his hands, the undergrowth has 
tripped him, and he is footsore and weary, 
though deliverance has failed to come. What 
shall he do ? He knows that the roadside can- 
not be very far away, yet to find it seems 
impossible. To roam longer thus is folly. 
Night-fall soon will increase his bewilderment 
by excluding the light which stimulates the 



86 HO W TO SECURE IT 

• 

hope that still remains. Let him take uot 
another uncertain step. Let him stand still. 
Now let his voice echo throughout the silent 
wood that the skilled pioneer, who knows the 
forest well, may listen, and hasten to deliver. 
This he does, and his voice is heard. The 
reverberating answer thrills the rover's heart. 
Without difficulty the woodman, from his 
cabin, reaches the traveler's side. A few words 
of greeting, the direction to follow the guide, 
and soon the once lost and anxious wanderer 
walks joyfully the roadside. 

Dear friend, you are endeavoring to find 
the way of life; your earnest words are proof 
of this. You desire to feel toward God as 
you know His love deserves, that you may 
walk in the " highway cast up for the ran- 
somed. ,, You know not how; you have 
need of further help; you are in trouble; the 
brambles of sin pierce you on every side; 
you stumble over arguments the ungodly have 
made, seeking to prove religion false; and 
you are so bewildered in the labyrinth that 
you are discouraged and scarcely know where 
you stand. You need a guide to lead you to 
this way; it is of no use for you to proceed 



HOW TO SECURE IT 87 

without one; you have proved this to your 
dismay. Stand where you are! for a guide 
has been provided. Now call for Him, and He 
assuredly will come to your relief. That guide 
is the Holy Spirit of God, promised by the 
Savior very long ago, before He ascended to 
His Father. Do you indeed feel unaccount- 
ably indifferent toward the God you fain would 
serve, and who has given such proof of love to 
you ? This is not an uncommon complaint. 
All are so without the Holy Spirit's power, 
and cannot love without His help. But the 
Holy Spirit is given for this intent — to show us 
the way, to break the stony heart, to pierce 
with conviction, and draw our hearts toward 
God. And He comes for the asking. "If ye 
then being evil know how to give good gifts 
unto your children, how much more shall your 
Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them 
that ask Him?" # 

God left not the plan of salvation incom- 
plete. He did not make the blunder of pro- 
viding a way of escape for untold thousands of 
blinded souls who had gone "far astray," and 



♦Luke xi, 13. 



88 HO W TO SECURE IT 

furnish no guide to lead them to that way; and 
the Holy Spirit is the guide He furnished. 

Now do you ask how the obduracy of your 
heart may be removed? We answer, "Pray!" 
pray for the assistance of the Holy Spirit; pray, 
though your heart is as hard as granite; though 
you have no more feeling than the pavement 
beneath your feet. Tell God that you would 
love him but know not how; that you have a 
stony heart; that no power has ever been able 
to move it; that you desire help, that you 
must have it, that you mean to have it. Pray 
though you feel your case is desperate; and 
keep on praying ", for deliverance will come; it 
must come, for it is promised. That hardness 
will soon begin to relent; desire for God will 
increase the more you commune with Him, 
and your melting heart will aspire with the 
very yearnings you long supposed impossible. 
Faith will appear more real, and with its exer- 
cise love to God will spring forth; and your 
love will grow; you will then wish to give 
proof of this new love, and another happy 
Christian worker will be the result. 

It would be unkind to doubt God's willing- 
ness to give the Holy Spirit unto eager, fam- 



HOW TO SECURE IT 89 

ishing souls, who are suffering under the con- 
demnation of sin, when He has made every 
other conceivable provision for their welfare 
in both worlds. Think of the abundance pro- 
vided for them here. Are they hungry? ten 
thousand granaries open at their call for food! 
Are they thirsty? countless gurgling brooks 
invite them to slake their thirst. Social priv- 
ileges also are provided; and the beauties of 
the natural world too, are sufficient, one might 
suppose, to animate -almost any soul. Some, 
indeed, there are who fail to appreciate these 
things. Their world is different; their eyes 
feast upon no starry heavens; no gladsome 
song-birds, warbling innocently, inspire their 
sordid souls, for so absorbed are they in 
grosser things that these escape their notice. 
But they exist for all who will enjoy them 
and accept the benefits they impart. Above, 
below, and on every hand, may be found that 
which, if appreciated, will make us better. 
We could make no improvement; God has 
done all things well. 

True, there is want in the world, but let no 
one lay this to God's account or accuse Him of 
failure to furnish wherewith the requirements 



9o HOW TO SECURE IT. 

of men might be supplied. Want is the out- 
growth of another cause, not of God's failure 
to provide for those He loves. After He had 
created the world He saw that it was good. 
Then, for our spiritual and eternal welfare, 
after man had fallen, "in dae time Christ died 
for the ungodly," — the richest gift of all. But 
here are countless souls who know they should 
avail themselves of trie privileges which Christ 
has purchased for them, and feel they need a 
guide. Now, would it be doing justice to 
God's wisdom and benevolence to suppose 
him capable of refusing this one essential, after 
he has given everything else? It would be 
simply absurd! He will give the Holy Spirit 
to them that ask him. Oh, seeker after rest, 
your prayers are not vain! Pray on! Take 
God at His word! Let Him not go. You 
need His Spirit, and He shall be given; and 
light and hope and love shall fill your soul. 
Your very desires for salvation were awakened 
by the Spirit, who, though you have know r n it 
not, has begun His work within. 



THE INVITATION GIVEN 91 



CHAPTER VI 



THE INVITATION GIVEN. 

Silence is often golden; and it is usually 
better to say too little than too much: espe- 
cially is this true when the defects of others is 
the theme of conversation. Some advise, "If 
you cannot say anything good of a man, say 
nothing. v They mean well, though their advice 
is so absurd as scarcely to require a word of 
comment. It would cover with the mantle of 
mistaken charity, deeds of darkness which 
should be proclaimed upon the housetop, that 
the defenseless may be aware of the danger 
to which they are exposed. 

Are we to remain silent because no good is 
known of the deceiver who but lacks oppor- 
tunity to destroy the happiness of homes whose 
doors are yet undarkened by the blight of 
sorrow? Search him out! Proclaim his crime! 
Raise the warning voice that the unsuspecting 
may seek and find protection! His place is in 
the dungeon , where he can do no harm; he is a 



92 THE INVITATION GIVEN 

dangerous man, unfit to move in circles of 
innocence and respectability. To "say noth- 
ing" in such a case is to sin by leaving duty to 
your neighbor unperformed. But people sim- 
ply mean that it is better to conceal as far as 
possible, the defects of others, when to parade 
them will benefit neither the speaker nor his 
subject. And this is the spirit of Christianity; 
to do unto them as we would that they should 
do to us. 

When discussing the virtues of others, we 
somehow feel more comfortable, and converse 
with greater freedom. Still pleasanter is it to 
speak of, and listen to kindly expressions con- 
cerning those especially dear to us; and better 
still to hear directly from them. It pains us 
when their silence is extended beyond the limit 
we consider reasonable. We watch the mails 
with anxious faces and expectant hearts, eager 
for the letter addressed in that familiar hand, 
and if it fails to come, our sober faces and list- 
less steps betray the disappointment we cannot 
easily conceal. 

I have known people to lose patience 
altogether for the time, and to vent their 
feelings in tempers which were neither pleasant 



THE INVITATION GIVEN 93 



nor becoming, because provoked that the blame- 
less postman did not deliver the letter they 
desired. We do not weary of hearing from 
those we love. If they are present, and from 
some unknown cause, appear unusually quiet, 
we ascertain the reason by demanding, "Why 
dfcn't you say something?" and our last request, 
wrien, upon leaving us, they take our hand, and 
bid good-by, is, write often. Again, there are 
those whose faithfulness is greater than our own, 
and who betray no impatience at our neglect, 
nor forget us though unworthy of their change- 
less affection. Epistles come from them, which 
are left unanswered; again and again they 
bring us tidings, but we disregard. 

Perhaps it is a praying mother who writes, 
hoping to reach the heart of her godless son; 
but she receives no answer. Years pass, yet 
these messages do not fail to come, and finally, 
perchance, the heedless youth, weary of the 
world, and longing for rest, convinced that 
nothing reaches quite as far as his mother's love, 
scans with tearful eyes the lines which tell him 
that he still is welcome, that the old home is 
open for him, that his favorite room is ready, 
and that she longs for his return. With remorse 



94 THE INVITATION GIVEN 

for his neglect, and the resolve that he shall 
never cause her further sorrow, he starts for 
home, and is received with open arms. 

Dear sinner, there is One whose love sur- 
passes far that of the mother for her wayward 
boy: "Yea, they may forget," saith the Lord, 
"yet will not I forget thee." # That Friend is 
God, and His love has been expressed not only 
in the sacrifice He made, which is the greatest 
proof, but also in "line upon line, precept upon 
precept. " He has been writing to you. His 
epistles, full of love, are almost numberless; 
but they have been disregarded. There lies 
your Bible, but you know not what treasures it 
contains; and I am going to tell you how 
anxious God is for your return to Him, and how 
earnestly He has been calling you. 

First, God has spoken to the sinner through 
the Gospel by the word of invitation. "Come 
unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest, "t 

"The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And 
let him that heareth say, Come. And let him 
that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let 
him take the water of life freely. "$ 

*Isa. xlix, 15. fMatt. xi, 28. JEev. xxii, 17. 



THE INVITATION GIVEN 95 

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to 
the waters, and he that hath no money; come 
ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and 
milk without money and without price."* 

But God is not satisfied with simply inviting 
wanderers to Himself; many, he is aware, fond 
of argument, waste their time in debating with 
unbelievers as to whether there be a Christ or 
not, and whether there is such a thing as for- 
giveness of sin ; now He would have them come 
to the proper person and settle such questions 
with Himself, therefore he also speaks to them 
by word of expostulation: "Come now, and 
let us reason together, saith the Lord: though 
your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as 
snow; though they be red like crimson, they 
shall be as wool, "t What an act of condescen- 
sion that the Infinite God should consent to 
reason with those as insignificant as ourselves. 
Yet in that very act we behold His deter- 
mination to save men if there is any possibility 
of such a thing. 

But this is not enough; there are those who 
refuse to reason with Him, and, regardless of 
consequences, take the risk of leading sinful 

*Isa. lv, 1. +Isa. i, 18. 



96 THE INVITA TION GIVEN. 

lives. Now, that these may understand what 
they are doing, that the responsibility is their 
own, that though God has done so much for 
them they are still unsaved, — as if yet un- 
willing to leave them to their fate, He speaks 
to them words of warning. Children should 
yield without the use of unpleasant means, but 
when they refuse, and danger menaces their 
welfare, it sometimes becomes necessary to 
employ severer measures, which even pain the 
parental heart. So with God. Gladly would 
He see men turn to Him at the voice of invita- 
tion, but if they will not, what must He do? 
Leave them to perish? Not without a warning 
word; but in prediction of their coming ruin 
He declares, "The soul that sinneth, it shall 
die. " # 

"Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with 
him. "t 

Again, He speaks by His providences as 
truly as through His word. We naturally look 
upon things that are seen, and wonder, often, 
why certain misfortunes, dark, mysterious and 
gloomy, are permitted to visit us, and almost 
murmur as we observe that while others seem 

*Ezek. xviii, 4. flsa. iii, 11. 



THE INVITATION GIVEN 97 

to fare so well, escaping the most grievous ills 
of life, we must be torn by unlooked-for sorrows 
which we cannot believe are our just desert. 
How strange, you thought, that the once happy 
home must be darkened by sorrow and dis- 
appointment! that smiles must give place to 
blinding tears— that life, formerly supplied with 
luxuries, must become a hand-to-hand struggle 
with poverty — that your dear ones must be 
taken at the very time your need of them 
seemed greatest. Ah! you fail to recognize 
the voice of the Almighty which comes through 
the medium of these earth- woes, bidding you 
sever your affections from the earthly and 
center them above! But, reader, it is God 
your Father calling you. 

Still further, you are called through the 
influence of God's Holy Spirit, which comes 
when you least expect, revealing such pictures 
of your own sinfulness as startle you. It is 
with tender feelings you reflect upon the tran- 
quil moments of life, when sin is quiet for the 
time, and you, alone with God and conscience, 
are brought to meditate upon the paths your 
feet have trodden. How wrong they seem! 
How you fain would turn away from them 



98 THE INVITATION GIVEN. 

and walk in wisdom's ways. How conscious is 
your need of assistance from above! The tear 
flows — the sigh is drawn — you resolve to do 
better: — and there the chapter closes! Again 
you sin, become careless as before, and all this 
spiritual exercise is a thing of the past. Oh, 
why so indifferent to the lessons of those sacred 
hours? Why thus carelessly return to paths 
of sin? Wist you not that those influences 
were imparted by the Holy Spirit? that he was 
calling you away from sin to God? They were 
not dreams, nor idle moods to be dismissed at 
pleasure, — the Spirit of God was calling you! 
Thus it is that God employs all agencies to call 
men unto Himself. He speaks through His 
revealed word, His providences and His Spirit. 
What more can we expect of Him? If a sinner 
is lost, it will not be from necessity, but because 
he would not be saved. 

Oh, that we might speak in words which 
will never cease to ring throughout your soul, 
impress the invitation, and emphasize the warn- 
ing God has so kindly given! Is not your soul 
worth saving that you neglect it thus, when it 
must dwell forever in happiness or woe? when 
you are evermore to praise the love that sought 



THE INVITATION GIVEN 99 

you, or lament in bitterest despair, your folly 
in trifling with the opportunities furnished to 
you here? Can you not be convinced that you 
are but opposing Christ in His efforts to extend 
the kingdom He suffered so to build? Oh, why 
withstand your truest Friend? Why labor to 
defeat Him? You need not labor longer; for 
though all arms should be raised in defiance of 
our God, and all hands be joined in an effort to 
usurp the Lord's dominion, He still shall reign! 
and His kingdom shall be established over all. 
Will you not then be numbered with the 
saved, since it is your privilege, and since you 
understand the way so well? We would see 
you brought to Christ, dear sinner. For this 
we are willing to toil and pray. What will be 
your excuse, if, without salvation, you stand, at 
the judgment, to receive your reward for the 
"deeds done in the body?" You cannot say 
that God has left you without a warning word. 
You will be unable to plead that" no man cared 
for your soul;" if you do, I shall remind you of 
the time you read these words, in which you 
were besought to give your heart to God, and 
you will be defenseless and without excuse. 



ioo THE INVITATION GIVEN 

Perhaps you are now awakened, and your 
cry is, "Oh, that I knew where I might find 
Him!" Ready, you possibly are, to forsake 
sin, yet are groaning beneath the weight of 
past offenses, the memory of which you would 
obliterate, and for which you would now atone, 
but you can do neither ! They stand un- 
changed, in all their blackness; and though 
your future were to be as spotless as the career 
of angels who have never sinned, the catalogue 
of the past is sufficient to sink you to the deep- 
est despair! But, thank God, you need not 
atone, for another has done this in your stead, 
and accepting His atonement, that curse rolls 
away never to afflict you more! Let me point 
to you the Cross of Christ, stained, as it is 
with hallowed blood, where the Holy Son of 
God expires in death! Oh, that sacred Cross 
of Jesus! why is there so little said of it? and 
why are burdened sinners kept so long away 
from the only place where sins and burdens are 
forever lost? Come and behold it; come kneel 
before it, and, with your sins, lose all your 
burdens! Behold the Savior agonizing there, 
that you might be relieved from suffering and 
guilt. Listen to His triumph, as, at the last. 



THE INVITATION GIVEN ioi 

He cries, "It is finished, " and yields His life! 
What does it mean? Oh, sinner, it means that 
the last obstacle is removed; that atonement is 
made for all the past; that full satisfaction is 
given for your sins, and that if you will just 
now by faith accept Him, you will lose your 
burden and enter into rest. 

Then why longer chafe in fetters which 
need not bind? Why sorrow for what is past? 
Make good your escape to Jesus while you 
may! He breaks your fetters; He removes 
the galling yoke; He makes you free this 
moment. But claim your liberty through our 
Lord Jesus Christ, and be not "entangled again 
with the yoke of bondage. " We place the 
responsibility upon you this hour. If you die 
of hunger, it is in a land where you need but 
to pluck and eat of the tree of life eternal. If 
you suffer the agonies of thirst, it is while 
sitting upon the banks of life's deep river. If 
you are lost, it will be because you have 
resisted all the powers of the Infinite; for the 
Father, Son and Holy Spirit are engaged to 
save you from the second death. 

Then stay not away from Christ, dear sin- 
ner, for He alone can subdue your iniquities, 



102 THE INVITATION GIVEN. 

and speak the pardoning word; and where will 
you find rest so long as this weight presses 
upon your soul? The church may furnish 
witnesses of God's saving grace, but it is Christ 
more than the church your soul requires. The 
society of Christians may afford encourage- 
ment and instruction, which is well; but go 
thou first to Christ without delay! Your soul 
is tainted with the leprosy that has corrupted 
the race. The virus is eating out your life, and 
must be eliminated or you shall be lost! Away, 
away to Jesus, the Physician who only can 
cleanse the stains of sin. There is but One 
who can heal your leprous soul; 'tis Jesus 
Christ, your Savior, strong to redeem, mighty 
to save! 

Will you then waste time in preparing to 
accept Him? And how shall you prepare? 
Alas, your life-time you have striven, but to 
what avail? Is your soul freer from the taint 
of sin than when you first received the impres- 
sion that you ought to be a Christian? Not at 
all; but you know too well that you are further 
off from heaven. Prepare to come? And 
where is the leper who can prepare for the 
cleansing of the prophet? While he delays, 



THE INVITATION GIVEN 103 

does not the canker eat deeper and further into 
his flesh? So is it with your sin! the longer 
retained, the more powerful will be its grasp, 
until with hopeless wail and despairing voice 
you cry, "The harvest is past, the summer is 
ended, and I am not saved." 

Or will you worse than waste your oppor- 
tunities enquiring, with the blinded Pilate, 
"What is truth?" refusing to see, while the 
light as the noonday sun is shining for you, 
debating with unbelievers, arguing as to 
whether there be a Christ or not? And who 
ever discovered this by such argument? Not 
one! Men lose their souls by parleying thus 
with the friends of Belial. Infidelity is made 
to clap her hands; the love of many wanes; 
the ardent believer is confused, and imbibes 
contamination from the skeptic through argu- 
ment of this kind, but the tear of penitence is 
never seen to flow; no hope is inspired of life 
renewed. Oh, sinner, your soul needs rest, 
joy and peace. Let them talk as they will, but 
you are the same — a sinner, wretched, unfor- 
given. Then why argue with those who are 
no wiser than yourself, and who can never 
impart the joys you seek, being themselves 



io 4 THE INVITATION GIVEN 

strangers to such joys? They will only harm 
you. Bid them adieu, and haste to Jesus. 
Are you in doubt? Would you know what is 
truth? Then come and make the trial for 
yourself. If Christ be a myth, you have 
naught to lose, but if He is indeed the Savior 
of the world, so richly shall you prove it that 
all your doubts will be dispelled. 

Or will you still delay, hoping for a more 
convenient season? Any Season shall be con- 
venient, if in that season rest be given. Better 
that a thorn be withdrawn at once, though by 
an unskillful hand, than that it be permit- 
ted to imbitter future days. Better that the 
vile weed be taken from the soil- while small, 
than that it remain to grow and multiply, and 
destroy the garden-bed. And it were better 
that sin be removed to-day > though the season 
seem most unsuitable, than that it be left to 
darken all your future. 

A more convenient season? Away with 
such absurdity! Does the sinking mariner 
refuse a plank, hoping for a better chance for 
life? It were folly, madness! The case is 
similar. Your soul's interest is at stake. Time 
is passing. You may never have another call. 



THE INVITATION GIVEN 105 

Your opportunity is good; will you improve it 
or let it pass? Consider well, for God is looking 
on; and know that if you remain unsaved, you 
are responsible. Your calamity, when it Com- 
eth, must be borne by you alone. Oh, think 
of your danger, and how easily it might be 
averted! Ponder well the path you tread, and 
consider upon how small a pivot your whole 
future turns, of weal or woe! It would be no 
task to swallow the arsenic, so harmless in 
appearance, upon the silver spoon; but how 
difficult to escape the effects ! One might 
easily drop a firebrand into the powder maga- 
zine, but the explosive results, the ruin, the 
loss of life, who could repair? And it would 
not be hard to quench the Spirit and say to the 
Savior who now so gently knocks at your 
heart's door, "'Go thy way for this time; when 
I have a convenient season I will call for Thee. " 
But the result of your folly might cause eternal 
regret. 

You may be saved at some future time; the 
"convenient season" for which you wait pos- 
sibly will come, for God is merciful; but 
though it should, and you be made happy in 
God's love, you never could be as noble a 



106 THE INVITATION GIVEN. 

Christian as you may, by obeying the present 
call. God forgives the worst, saves the " chief 
of sinners," and sometimes at the eleventh 
hour; but they cannot be what they might 
have been, had they yielded early to the call, 
before wasting so many years in the pleasures 
and indulgences of iniquity. 

Sinner, you are called to-day; what are 
you going to do? May God, who has revealed 
to you your duty, assist you to perform it! 
Seek God! Seek Him now! Find Him at 
any cost! for your need of Him is the most 
imperative need of all! Let nothing prevent! 

You prove, in common with those about 
you, the weakness of the race, the inability of 
yourself to attain unto that ideal of spiritual 
excellence portrayed to your mind; you know 
the humiliating defeats to which you have been 
subjected a hundred times after your most 
faithful effort, and can expect nothing better 
in the future; therefore, in the name of reason 
let me ask, why longer hold your position in a 
fortress which must be taken and demolished? 
Why continue to tremble at the thought of an 
expected enemy who is to take you captive 
and render you his slave? Escape for your 



THE INVITATION GIVEN 107 

life, for the enemy approaches fast! He is 
frightfully near; he has discovered your hiding- 
place, and, greedy for your life, brandishes the 
weapon with which he would smite you with 
eternal death! Escape while an opportunity 
is given, before each avenue is forever closed, 
and you are left a victim to the fell destroyer! 
If there were hope in your defense, I would 
not urge you. But you are hopeless; self- 
confidence is madness; the enemy is mightier 
than you, and you will prove an easy prey! 
Then escape to Christ, from your citadel of 
carnal security! Hasten, for why will you die? 



1 08 THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE INVITATION ACCEPTED. 

Memory is an ever-open volume into which 
we may look at pleasure, and investigate 
treasures that have been stored so safely there, 
that none are able to deprive us of them. They 
may destroy our libraries, burn our homes 
with fire, and appropriate our gold; but mem- 
ory stands by us still, and we have only to 
look within to draw upon a treasury as imper- 
ishable as the immortal soul. Forgetfulness, 
as the term is commonly employed, does not 
imply the annihilation of memory, but simply 
a suspension of it. Nothing is forgotten in 
the absolute sense of the term. 

Events which transpired years ago, and 
which we supposed had long since passed into 
oblivion, are often pictured before us by mem- 
ory with freshness and power, as we are brought 
back to the places and scenes where they 
occurred; and many tell us that the memories 



THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 1 09 

of early life are more vivid than those of later 
years. It may be so with some of my read- 
ers; you can distinctly remember the occur- 
rences of by-gone years, but many of the 
more recent have already passed temporarily 
from your minds. 

Now, your lives are busy., characterized by 
many changes; you are jostled by business 
duties, domestic labors and social demands, 
so that it would not be at all surprising if you 
had failed of retaining some of the lessons 
already learned, upon which you ought to 
ponder. Possibly in the foregoing chapters, 
truths, long unthought of, have been brought 
to your attention, which you should not permit 
the numerous activities of life again to crowd 
into forgetfulness; yet, lest there should be 
danger of this, we will take a brief review. 

If some thoughts must be dismissed from 
your minds, let them be those relating to this 
world and the present life, but not to your 
eternal interests. Forget (if you can) your 
business reverses, domestic trials, and social 
difficulties, for it will not relieve you to brood 
over them; but remember what we have been 
endeavoring to bring to your attention; for if 



1 1 o THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 

you heed these warnings and accept the invi- 
tation given, the benefit derived will have little 
more than commenced to appear when trouble, 
business and perplexities have passed from 
your experience to afflict you no more forever. 
You have been reminded of wants which 
have existed many years — that you need to 
be at peace with God and conscience; that you 
should have the consolation which can be found 
alone in Christian experience; that merely an 
intellectual knowledge of God is insufficient; 
and that whether you are conscious or uncon- 
scious of the fact, these wants still exist, and 
the plea of unconsciousness furnishes no rem- 
edy. You have been assured that for all these 
wants there is a plentiful supply; that though 
the waters of the ocean could never cleanse 
your sin, there is, nevertheless, "a fountain 
opened for sin and uncleanness. " You have 
been told also how this supply may be ren- 
dered available in your own case; how, that 
by a simple act of faith, in which you believe 
and accept the testimony of God's love for you 
through Jesus Christ, the riches of the Infinite 
may virtually be made your own. And you 
have, moreover, been invited to come without 



THE IN VITA TION ACCEPTED. 1 1 1 

delay and take God at His word, that the 
power of saving grace may appear in you. 

What now remains but for you to accept 
this invitation and enter into rest? How, 
indeed, can you refuse to accept? What argu- 
ment will you bring by which to prove your 
innocence in delaying, and convince those who 
seek your soul's salvation that they are wrong 
and you are right? I think you will agree 
with me that such an argument cannot be 
brought; and that if you are to be true to 
your Maker, your friends and yourself, you 
will accept without delay. 

Nov/, we cannot think, kind reader, that 
you will be untrue; we will not believe such a 
thing of you, but must conclude that since 
you are convinced that it is your duty to believe 
on the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicate yourself 
to the service of God, you will do so at once, 
claiming Him as yours in return. 

As the sunbeam on a cloudless morning, 
stealing through the window into the chamber 
where the sufferer lies, who, through the tedi- 
ous hours of darkness, wistfully looked for 
dawn — as the stillness of- the air which soothes 
to rest the maddened billows where the storm- 



1 1 2 THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 

driven mariner is wearied by continued watch- 
ing — as the luxury of abundance to him whose 
willing hands have toiled unceasingly, but only 
received for their reward a scant supply of 
bread — as the restfulness of relief after an 
agony of pain — so is the whisper of forgive- 
ness to the penitent who has sought with sor- 
row the favor of his God. 

The darkness has vanished, the pain has 
departed, the storm has ceased, the labor is 
ended and there is rest. He has found his 
place at last — his resting-place in Christ; the 
"secret place of the Most High," of which 
prophets spoke; — a home in Christ! and he 
abides "under the shadow of the Almighty." 
Now he is at peace, for he has found repose in 
Jesus. Pleasure could delight, but failed to 
satisfy. Beauty might charm, but his soul 
hungered still; for he was estranged from God, 
and while that estrangement endured, there 
was a lack, and nothing could relieve but a 
return to Him. He has returned now, and 
the lack no longer distresses him. The hunger 
is satisfied, the thirst is quenched, and a new 
life opens before him, with richer beauties, 
loftier aspirations and brighter prospects, He 



THE INVITATION ACCEPTED. 113 

may have lived for self before; he cannot now. 
His treasure is with God, and where one's 
"treasure is" there will his "heart be also." 

He never could understand, in former years, 
what claim God had upon his time and energy, 
but to-day he realizes that he is not his own; 
that he has been "bought with a price;" and 
he seeks to "glorify God in his body and 
spirit which are God's." He is well assured 
that no return rendered by his most faithful 
effort will repay his Heavenly Father for the 
sacrifice He has made; nor does he hope ever 
to be able to do this; but the least he can do is 
to dedicate his powers to God's service; and 
this he does with gladness, thankful that his 
offering is accepted. His time, talent, voice, 
property, education, opportunities, and what- 
ever he may hold at his disposal, are employed 
in a continued effort to further the cause of 
his Redeemer. His heart is filled with grati- 
tude which finds expression in labors of love. 
He is forgiven, and no fear of pending calamity 
now disturbs him. 

He formerly labored under incessant con- 
demnation, for he was a transgressor; and the 
merciless law of justice which tolerates no 



ii4 THE INVITA TION ACCEPTED. 

delinquencies, kept by his side wherever he 
went, to arrest the most trivial disobedience, 
and assign to him the just penalty of his sin. 
He might endeavor to yield obedience to the 
law's demands, but with a polluted nature how 
could he fulfill a perfect law? Yet it must be 
fulfilled or his fate is to be eternal death. Oh, 
wretched man ! His best attempts are spurned, 
and this ever-present companion at his side 
sentences him to the punishment awaiting all 
who sin against God. He is helpless and 
speechless, for conscience asserts that all the 
law affirms is right, and he has no defense to 
make. 

But still the law, reminding him of his evil 
deeds, unholy thoughts, and sinful words, 
declares, "You have offended me, you have 
transgressed, you have been a wicked man. 
I must take you to your punishment; you 
deserve to die, and die you must, for I com- 
manded you not to sin and you have diso- 
beyed. Talk not of mercy; if you desired to 
be saved why did you not obey? It is too late 
now. You have sinned; and though from this 
time you should be perfect, you have already 
committed sin enough to condemn you to 



THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 1 1 5 

eternal death. Come, no more delay; your 
time has expired! you must die!" And with 
determined grasp he lays hold upon the help- 
less one to execute his threat. 

But in accepting the atonement of Jesus 
Christ, justice is satisfied, and the guilty one's 
days* of bondage are ended. No longer is 
he speechless, for, with his Savior close be- 
side him he calmly faces the accuser of his 
past life, while he replies, "You speak the 
truth, most excellent Law of God. You tell 
me I have sinned, and it is so; it cannot be 
denied. You say that you must be obeyed. 
I know it, and have tried my utmost, but have 
failed. Yet, by my side is One who has ful- 
filled it instead of me. You sentence me to 
death, but Jesus Christ has died for me;" and, 
bidding him look upon the Savior, he contin- 
ues, "See the prints of the nails in these sacred 
hands and feet! Behold where the sword 
pierced him to the heart! What have you now 
to say? I desire to know the worst!" But 
the Law is speechless! and with triumphant 
voice the sinner saved exclaims, "There is there- 
fore now no condemnation to them which are in 
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but 



1 1 6 THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 

after the Spirit." "For Christ is the end of 
the law for righteousness to every one that 
believeth." Oh, precious Savior! what won- 
drous mercy hast Thou shown to helpless, 
dying sons of men! Oh, gracious Father, 
how shall we understand the love which makes 
us children of the Eternal King? We do not 
expect to, here. Thy chosen and inspired one 
who lived so near to Thee, and who wrote as 
no one else wrote, the story of Thy love, could 
not understand it; and we would simply pause 
in wonder with him, as in astonishment he 
exclaims, "Behold, what manner of love the 
Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should 
be called the sons of God!" But the fact 
remains ! Accepting Christ by faith, we become 
the children of God! for He saith that He 
"will be a Father" unto us, and that we shall 
be His "sons and daughters." 

Now, the children of God may reasonably 
expect certain favors at His hands, and feel 
that they hold special claim upon Him as their 
Father. A man may love everybody, but he 
certainly thinks more of his own children than 
of others. And though God is love, desiring 
that "all should come to repentance," the par- 



THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 1 1 7 

ticular manifestation of that love will always 
be revealed in peculiar blessings upon those 
who have obeyed Him. To them is ever 
extended the richest tokens of His favor. 

We should expect support from Him. No 
kind father would see his child want bread, 
if it were within his power to supply it; and 
though he may require him to put forth an 
exertion to obtain it, the father will not with- 
hold it long enough to induce more suffering 
than is best for the child. He may put him 
to the test occasionally, in order to prove the 
genuineness of his faith; but when he is con- 
vinced that his child's trust is unquestionable, 
when the child says, " Father, I am not uneasy, 
I know you love me and will give what I 
need" — when the child thus confides, the father 
will bestow with liberal hand. God often deals 
thus with His beloved. A little more child- 
faith blended with our labors, and not quite so 
much uneasiness about food and clothing, will 
be attended with happier results. 

Then, we should expect defense from God. 
Any father who would see his child suffer 
undeserved violence at the hands of wicked 
men who were beneath his control, and offer 



1 1 8 THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 

no protection nor defense, lacks one of the 
elements of true manhood, and is a coward. 
If there is one thing above any other that 
brings the hot blood to the father's cheek, the 
flash of fire to his eye, the feeling of just indig- 
nation to his heart and Herculean strength to 
his arm, it is to see his innocent and helpless 
loved one who confides implicitly in his power, 
and dwells without a fear beneath the shelter 
of his roof, subjected to the imposition of the 
vile. Though he be rendered penniless, though 
he suffer loss of friends, reputation, and every- 
thing he once held dear, in his attempt to pro- 
cure the safety of his own, they all must go! 
but he will do this at any cost! "And shall 
not God avenge His own elect, which cry day 
and night unto Him, though He bear long 
with them? I tell you He will avenge them 
speedily. " # 

This is a world of evil, and God's children 
must maintain their integrity amid countless 
opposing elements. Among these are: The 
strife of tongues, the jealousy of the malicious, 
the cruelty of the wicked, and the pain which 
those inflict who strive, by unfair representa- 
* Luke xviii, 7, 8. 



THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 1 1 9 

tion, to blacken deeds which are white as 
driven snow ! They darken counsel ; they 
sting with cutting words; they wither with the 
whisperings of hatred. "What shall be given 
unto thee, or what shall be done unto thee, 
thou false tongue ? Sharp arrows of the 
mighty, with coals of juniper, "t But let not 
the child of God be greatly moved. Let him 
be calm, for his defense is sure. Let him seek 
shelter in his God until the storm be overpast. 
His integrity shall be made to appear, and all 
his enemies shall be put to shame. 

But one of the most exalted privileges a 
child can claim, one which is destined to 
influence his entire future and prove to be the 
surest protection against the vices and errors 
of ignorance, is that of receiving instruction at 
his parent's hand. Our greatest men, whose 
lives have been given to bless the world, con- 
fess that much of their usefulness is due to 
training and instruction imparted by devoted 
parents whose memory they revere. Parents 
often forget to how large a degree the success 
of their children is dependent upon their faith- 
fulness in this regard. And many a life which 
t Ps. cxx, 3, 4. 



1 20 THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 

might have contributed largely to the happi- 
ness of others, has been shattered by a tem- 
pest which, under other conditions, could not 
have shaken it. 

God never forgets these things; but know- 
ing how great will be the need that the new- 
born soul receive strength against such storms 
as are sure to rage, invites His child to make 
a confidant of his Father, and says, "I will 
instruct thee and teach thee in the way which 
thoushaltgo; I will guide thee with mine eye".* 
And Christ, who has come to be the Christian's 
unfailing companion, offers His assistance, 
saying, "Learn of me."f Dear reader, do 
you realize the privilege these words extend to 
you? Of learning of Christ, of sitting at His 
feet, of beholding His spotless life, of following 
His example and thus becoming transformed 
into His image? Ah, this is a privilege which 
renders life unspeakably blessed! this is the 
crowning excellence. Poets may speak of the 
moon's silvery light and nature's matchless 
landscapes; happy hearts may sing of love's 
inseverable cords; but to learn of Jesus and tell 
of One whose presence fills the soul with joy 
*Ps. xxxii., 8. fMatt. xi, 29. 



THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 1 2 1 

unspeakable and full of glory, whose name is 
the sweetest music that ever came to mortal 
ear, — this is the greatest privilege of all; and 
it belongs to the believer, for Jesus said, " Learn 
of Me." 

But what can He have to teach us in this 
age of culture and advancement? Our land 
abounds in universities and colleges of high 
grade. The press has also become a power in 
the world. One may obtain knowledge if he 
will, provided that no unusual impediment 
forbid; then what necessity is there for another 
teacher? 

Go to the halls of learning, ye who thirst for 
knowledge. Study with diligence, you will 
have need of all that you can acquire, for the 
age is one of progress. Spend years of time 
and all necessary means that you may secure 
the coveted instruction. Come forth, diploma 
in hand, and bring honors won by your deserv- 
ing effort. But as you listen to the voices raised 
in applause of your undisputed ability, and as 
you proceed to commingle with the world whose 
smile or frown you now feel prepared to meet, 
remember there are lessons you still need to 
know, and which will secure to you the largest 



1 2 2 THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 

success both in this world and the next. One 
other Teacher remains, who alone can meet the 
wants of your still unsatisfied soul. That 
Teacher is Christ the Lord; and He addresses 
you this day. Listen, oh, listen to His voice, 
for He saith "Learn of Me." 

What, then, has Christ to teach? Not 
philosophy, science or mathematics; He leaves 
such things to others, and proceeds to impart 
heart-lessons which shape the whole life and 
walk of him who learns them. There is the 
lesson of meekness, an attribute which, He 
asserts, is a characteristic of Himself. "I am 
meek and lowly in heart." "When He was 
reviled, He reviled not again; when He suf- 
fered, He threatened not; but committed 
Himself to Him who judgeth righteously." 
"He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and 
as a sheep before his shearers is dumb so He 
openeth not His mouth." And He wishes to 
teach you the lesson of meekness. Oh, child 
of God, be teachable, for you will require this 
virtue throughout life's pilgrimage. If anger 
and impatience gain the mastery, life will prove 
a failure. Here science avails nothing. But 



THE INVITATION ACCEPTED. 123 

Christ will teach you to be "meek and lowly in 
heart. " 

There is also the lesson of implicit trust in 
Him. Although the child of God had faith 
when he accepted Christ, that faith was crude, 
and the soul required training, that amid the 
future storms of life his trust might never fail. 
I have seen a mother teaching her little one to 
walk; he can already take a few steps, but 
that he may walk on just a little further, she 
moves backward, withholding her assistance, 
as further and further she recedes, only to be 
followed by the little trembling form; and when 
the mother is satisfied at the effort of her child, 
she hastens to its relief and folds it to her heart. 
Christ would teach His children to walk by 
faith. They are already able to move a little 
distance, but He would lead them to trust Him 
further still, and oftentimes withholds from 
them that special feeling upon which they are 
so prone to place dependence, that they may 
walk by faith alone: but always extends His 
hand to aid, when they have gone far enough 
to derive benefit from the lesson given. 

It would require little struggle to be a 
Christian if the way were always smooth — if 



i2 4 THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 

temptation, sorrow and affliction were un- 
known; — but where is the life so unruffled that 
these do not appear? It does not exist! they 
are sure to come in one form or another, and 
we must be prepared to meet them. Said a 
young Christian, "The trouble is, I do not stay 
saved : " and that is a common complaint. And 
why? The answer is, fluctuating faith where 
confidence in God should be immovable. If the 
needle varied in its position and failed to point 
unwaveringly to the pole, but turned at one 
hour to the east, the next to the south, what 
could the mariner do? There would be no 
certainty to his course, but he must live in 
constant danger of shipwreck. Many Chris- 
tians fail to realize that wavering faith should be 
disallowed. They sin and wonder why; they are 
in darkness and are amazed; their joys depart, 
and they search for the reason night and day: 
but all the while, they are looking at self, at 
the billows surging about them, instead of 
trusting Jesus moment by moment; and, like 
sinking Peter, they, naturally enough, also 
begin to sink. But Christ is able to save them 
always, just as well as but half the time; and 
will, if they permit Him. 



THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 1 2 5 

There is still another heart-lesson Christ 
would teach to those whom He has pardoned. 
It is the lesson of that charity which covereth 
"the multitude of sins.'' Meekness, Faith and 
Love! — Blest lessons! We cannot know them 
too well. Usually, it is not difficult to love in 
return those who love us. Almost every one 
does as much. Yet Christ would impress the 
most difficult lesson of all. 

"Learn of Me" said Christ. Let us behold 
Him that we may learn of Him. Whom did 
He love so dearly? A world in sin! He 
healed the wounded soldier who came to 
capture Him. He saved the dying thief! He 
gave His life for those who cursed Him. He 
loved His enemies; and His command is, 
"Learn of Me" As I sacrifice for sinners, go 
thou and do the same. As I forgive my foes, 
go and do thou likewise. As I labor for the 
fallen, do thou also labor for them! Reader, 
have you learned this lesson ? Alas, many 
leave it forever unlearned. But if you would 
be unspeakably happy, if you would know the 
secret of peace and holy rest, learn this lesson 
of love? 



1 2 6 THE IN VITA TION A CCEPTED. 

What can stand before love? Convince an 
erring brother that you love him, and you 
have gained that brother. Take him by the 
hand when he has done his worst to injure you, 
saying, I love you! causing him to feel it, and, 
unless the case be unusually desperate, he will 
relent. The coals of fire will burn him; his 
head will bow with shame and he will ask, 
"What does it mean?" — "A hard saying," I am 
told. Truth; but let me here reveal one secret, 
which, if proven, will be of incalculable benefit 
to your life. These hard sayings of Scripture, 
these crossing commands of Christ, when ful- 
filled by us, are attended with the richest 
blessings. Do you doubt it? Then make the 
trial for yourself; you will find it even so. 



SHADOWS. 127 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SHADOWS. 

Some children are very good, but slow to 
learn. After the tasks of brothers and sisters 
have been completed, and the latter have gone 
to join their companions on the play-ground, 
these, less fortunate, obedient to the mandate 
of their governess, must spend more time in 
poring over lessons which seem beyond their 
comprehension. Yet frequently these are the 
children who finally excel. They are slow 
but sure, and when a lesson is mastered, there 
is no further trouble with it. They cannot help 
their natural dullness, but toil on faithfully, 
until, after years of exposure to the mortifica- 
tion attending the consciousness of inferior 
talent, they awaken to their need of still more 
faithful application, and stimulated by the 
rising pride so common and praiseworthy in 
the youthful heart, which spurns the thought 
of defeat, with the habits of study now so well 
established, they begin to move forward with 



128 SHADOWS. 



rapid strides, till at last they stand at the front 
and take the honors of their class. (Those 
children who are both bright and faithful, and 
those both stupid and careless, we will not 
mention, as all know the results of their respect- 
ive habits.) But, in contrast with the class first 
mentioned, w r ho, though not naturally brill- 
iant, by unremitting application turn out well, 
there is another class of children, brighter far, 
no doubt, who are less faithful. With the self- 
assurance awakened by repeated displays of 
intellectual ability they suppose themselves 
entitled to hours of leisure w T hile others still 
are busy. Thus they become careless in their 
habits, and discover, when it is too late, that 
their wasted opportunities are gone forever, 
and have carried with them the laurels which 
might have been their unquestioned reward. 

And not only are they unfaithful in their 
studies, but develop characteristics which 
become a source of untold pain to their parents, 
and trouble to themselves. They desire to 
have their own way, and cannot be convinced 
that the "old folks" know what is best for them 
as well as they themselves know. They hardly 
should be termed wicked at heart, for they 



SHADOWS. 129 



would not intentionally wound the feelings of 
their parents, but for all that, they are con- 
stantly doing so. 

On one occasion they insist upon going 
out to spend the evening, regardless of their 
mother's request that they remain at home; 
then they speak carelessly of an esteemed, 
but old-fashioned friend of their father's, who 
is worthy, though clad in quaint attire. 
Further than this, they murmur at the routine 
of home-life, and become uneasy, as though 
desirous of leaving their happy home to see 
the world. They also neglect many of the 
duties which form their share of the household 
burden, and love to be off spending leisure 
hours with those who are like-minded with 
themselves. 

All such developments as these, while not 
to be punished with expulsion from home, or 
regarded as criminal to their characters as 
children, are, nevertheless, painful beyond 
expression to the parents, and if not restrained, 
will terminate disastrously, perhaps in disgrace. 
Such children should be taken in hand, or they 
will beyond doubt go speedily to ruin. And 
great care and wisdom must be exercised by 



i 3 o SHADOWS. 



the parents in their endeavor to correct, lest 
this ruin be hastened rather than prevented. 

God has many children of this kind. They 
may have been exceedingly bright at first, 
giving promise to become mighty in the cause 
of truth; they ran well for a season, but have, 
in some way, begun to grow careless, as though 
they now believed themselves to be so far 
advanced in Christian experience that they are 
warranted in taking certain liberties, and living 
very much as they desire; when the truth is, 
they are but babes, requiring to be fed "with 
milk, and not with meat," being yet unable to 
bear it. There is a certain degree of love to 
God, a degree of faith, also; but they are 
losing rather than gaining, and bid fair, if they 
continue thus, to make "shipwreck" of faith and 
a good conscience. 

It is surprising how some of God's children 
are content to live; how they go stumbling 
along over present privileges and opportunities, 
with their eyes fastened upon some enchanted 
pathway, which, from its distance, appears 
beautiful and pleasant, with boulders, thorns 
and briars necessarily out of sight, while instead 
of this, they should be "taking heed" lest they 



SHADOWS. 131 



fall by the hand of a foe, who, at their very side 
watches to perpetrate some deed of death. 
Now, such conduct as this on the part of God's 
beloved, besides working injury to themselves, 
is a dishonor and grief to the One who has 
conferred upon them so great a kindness as to 
make them His own children. To be careless 
is to esteem His commands lightly, which is a 
reproach. Yet how the family of God is 
afflicted by members who well know the way 
of life, understand what is expected of them as 
children, but assume the responsibility of dis- 
obeying their Father in a hundred different 
ways. 

We shall notice, in this chapter, the manner 
in which this is done, by referring to a limited 
number of inconsistencies such as may be 
observed in almost any Christian community. 
First, it is done by carelessness in conversation. 
There is among us an evil which is becoming 
so familiar that it is escaping our notice, but 
which is, nevertheless, quenching the Spirit of 
God. It creeps into circles of spiritual power 
and disturbs the peaceful soul. It is often 
embraced by leaders of the armies of Israel. 
We find it among spiritual instructors, and it is 



132 SHADOWS. 



all the more dangerous on that account. 
Among our young people it exists to a wonder- 
ful extent: I mean the habit of uttering idle 
words. Some call it fun, others, white-lying. 
I believe it to be a cause for alarm to every 
true Christian and an unquestionable conformity 
to the world. 

I am sorry for the man, who, in his own 
estimation, has become too pious to smile, in 
this world so full of sad hearts and heavy 
burdens. Not one joy would we take from the 
most buoyant spirit. I would bid the merry to 
rejoice, and increase the sunshine of life by all 
legitimate means; but pleasantry is one thing, 
folly quite another. It is not necessary to do 
wrong in order to be witty. We need not 
speak falsely that we may display to others our 
brilliancy, and if we can do so in no other way, 
it were better that they should consider us too 
prosy for their society. 

It is always gratifying to hear young people 
challenging each other's wit and retaliating in 
all the sprightliness of youth, when this is done 
without compromising conscience and truth. 
But it is painful to listen to anything of this 
kind when, for an hour's merriment, principle 



SHADOWS. 133 



and right are sacrificed. Yet so common has 
this custom become that in many cases, parties 
professing to be Christians can scarcely con- 
verse for an hour without introducing phrases 
which shock the conscientious listener. This 
is one of the shadows which sometimes darken 
the young Christian's path. You will never 
be as well satisfied with yourself, and no one 
of sound sense will consider that you are a 
whit more clever for employing idle words to 
express your sentiments. The world may not 
condemn the use of idle words, but you have 
"come out from the world;" and can you be 
gratified in the employment of such expressions 
as bring smiles to the faces of the ungodly, 
while the dear Lord is pained to see how you 
partake of the spirit of the world? You will 
not find the fully consecrated thus engaged, 
but those of shallow Christian experience only. 
Another shadow, and one still deeper, is 
the habit of uttering harmful words; not in- 
tentionally, it may be, but carelessly. Yet let 
us remember that God is looking on. Each 
moment He is watching us. If we could bear 
in mind that he is always near, listening to our 
words and observing our conduct, what a dif- 



134 SHADOWS. 



ference would mark our walk! But He is, 
whether we remember it or not. When, seated 
at the daily board, you, in conversation, pass 
your judgment upon others, He is listening, 
and passing judgment upon you. As you 
enter the neighbor's home to spend an hour in 
friendly visitation, and express your convic- 
tions as to the faithfulness or unfaithfulness of 
another, He is there and hears it all. So be 
careful that what you say is positively true, and 
that no defect in the other's character is dis- 
played with more color than is charitable. If 
it becomes necessary to speak of inconsisten- 
cies, defend the truth, and God will bless you; 
otherwise they had better remain unmentioned. 
Be kind; and remember, " Charity shall cover 
the multitude of sins. " How few are guiltless 
at this point! It is so easy to talk, and irrep- 
arable harm is done ere the speaker is aware. 

Impatience also is frequently displayed- by 
those whose piety stands unquestioned. I have 
known devout men in the church whose ab- 
sence is always deplored, men who would sac- 
rifice all their earthly possessions rather than 
to be found guilty of dishonest conduct, and 
who stand before the people as examples of 



SHADOWS. 135 



Christian integrity, to so far forget the claims 
of God and society upon them, as to yield, 
under but slight provocation, to tempers not at 
all becoming to the followers of Christ. They 
astonished those who had regarded them as 
models of consistent behavior, and, upon due 
reflection, were themselves so mortified by this 
rash conduct, that they were heartily ashamed 
to appear before those who had reason to ex- 
pect better things of them. But their sorrow 
and unfeigned penitence for the momentary 
departure from the right way, gave ample 
proof that they w r ere loyal at heart, though 
they had thus offended on the impulse of an 
unguarded moment. Yet they did wrong, for 
they were children of God, and had no liberty 
to display such a spirit. It was hurtful to the 
cause so dear to them, and liable to engender 
carelessness in those who naturally looked to 
them for example ; for if these established 
Christians can be justified in so doing, what 
cause for alarm will the inexperienced need 
have at the thought of their inconsistencies? 

There is more impatience among believers 
than we could wish to credit, as, on the Sab- 
bath they assemble in their best spirits and 



136 SHADOWS. 



apparel to do honor to God's holy day. Could 
we but accompany them to their abodes, and 
remain with them throughout one short week, 
what lessons would we learn of their fallibility! 
Though they to-day nobly refute the charge of 
a lifeless profession, we would nevertheless 
see that they do sometimes yield to impatience. 
Christians frequently assume the responsi- 
bility of indulging in doubtfulness, also. Not 
that glaring unbelief, so harmful to the child 
of God, which permits him to deny his Lord, 
but a vague uncertainty as he enters the laby- 
rinths of mystery connected with his experi- 
ence, causing him to tremble lest the Master 
had forgotten him, and left him to extricate 
himself without divine assistance. Forgetting 
the faithfulness of his Savior, who said, "Lo, I 
am with you alway, " and that his duty is but 
to follow, without questioning the wisdom of 
the guide, he becomes fearful (it would seem) 
that the latter had mistaken the way, and as he 
now finds himself in deeper sorrow than has 
ever enshrouded his life, thinks he will spend 
a little time in doubting, and enquires, "How 
is this? When I gave my heart to God, I sup- 
posed that i all things ' were going to ' work 



SHADOWS. 137 



together for good,' and that I was to be so 
sheltered that no storm could harm; but here I 
am, worse off than ever." His agony becomes 
intense. His fear to meet this unlooked-for 
trial almost unmans him, and he wonders 
why God has forsaken him. The plain assur- 
ances of God's word, the evidence, so unmis- 
takable, by which he knew that he was accepted 
as God's child, the peace which replaced con- 
demnation, the countless expressions of God's 
favor, — all these seem insufficient to convince 
him; but now that God simply desires to test 
the graces given, by concealing Himself for a 
season, he must needs doubt His mercy, and 
work himself into an agony of torture, instead 
of resting upon the promises until the trial be 
past and God declares, "It is enough," and is 
convinced that His child is determined to trust 
Him, come what will, as Abraham did, who 
believed God to be reasonable, notwithstand- 
ing all appearances to the contrary. What 
blessings were showered upon the patriarch's 
head in acknowledgment of that wonderful 
faith! "By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, 
for because thou hast done this thing, and hast 
not withheld thy son, thine only son, that in 



138 SHADOWS, 



blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I 
will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, 
and as the sand which is upon the seashore; 
and thy seed shall possess the gates of his ene- 
mies. " And what blessings always attend the 
faithfulness of His children now, as their voices 
are heard above the loudest tempest, crying, 
"Lord, I believe!" and could we but realize 
the victories lost, the weaknesses entailed, the 
hours of depression occasioned by our doubt- 
fulness during times of trial, we would resolve 
from this hour not to doubt, though the heav- 
ens fall! What folly it is to doubt when God's 
word stands pledged! What more need we 
than this? A little feeling? a little sight? just 
enough to convince us of God's notice? We 
have enough for this, unless we believe Him to 
be false, for He has said that "the very hairs of 
our head are all numbered," and that He "will 
never leave nor forsake us. " Yet many very 
good people, whose standing in the church and 
in the estimation of all is excellent, often find 
to their dismay that their faith is weaker than 
they supposed it to be; and are chagrined to 
confess that they also must be numbered among 
those who doubt. They thought themselves 



SHADOWS. 139 



beyond that danger, and regarded it impossi- 
ble for them thus to offend ; but alas ! they 
knew not how hot the purifying furnace was to 
be heated; and though the Lord brought them 
safely through, their garments, at least, were 
singed. 

Keeping pace with this spirit of doubtful- 
ness, and walking hand in hand with it, is that 
oi fear fulness. Strange words these are, to be 
applied to " soldiers of the Cross " and children 
of the Eternal King; yet let those who have 
never felt the force of them justify themselves. 
They are few, while the number smitten with con- 
scious fault is great. Said a young man of moral 
habits and standing, as we together walked 
home from a religious meeting, "It would be a 
good thing if I could go off among strangers 
where I am unknown, and make a start in the 
Christian life, and when I have become estab- 
lished, so that I shall not be afraid to meet my 
friends, return and demonstrate the genuine- 
ness of my conversion by a devoted life. " My 
greatest apprehension for one who will thus 
endeavor to get religion on the sly, lest people 
will know of it and subject him to more or less 
reproach, is, that he never will become estab- 



140 SHADOWS. 



lished; at least, so long as possessed by such 
a spirit. If religion is worth seeking at all, it 
is worth seeking in a manly way, and will never 
be found until it is sought thus. 

But the conduct of this young man is sug- 
gestive of a fear, far less culpable, of course, 
yet almost as marvelous, on the part of many 
who did not run away to find the Savior, but 
who, discovering that He was not far from 
them, but even at their heart's door, quietly 
opened that door and let Him in. I say "qui- 
etly," for so still were they over the matter, 
and so careful have they since been to avoid 
whatever would be likely to draw attention to 
the fact, that their special friends alone know 
anything about it. Now, while all cannot be 
revivalists or ministers, confession of Christ 
should be regarded as a privilege when fitting 
opportunity is presented. The Master will ever 
acknowledge such confession with His smile of 
approval and the special manifestation of His 
presence within. He awaits to comfort hearts, 
who, by their fearfulness of such friends as 
would only honor their confession, will not give 
Christ the opportunity to bless them. There 
may be such a thing as quieting conscience by 



SHADOWS. 141 



striving to convince ourselves that the whole 
duty has been performed when it is but half 
done, yet it would be far better for us to per- 
mit conscience to have its way (if there be any 
contention) than for us to have ours. The mis- 
take will manifest itself somewhere, at some 
time, and in some way: if not in utter failure, 
at least in weakness where there should be 
strength. There is something imperative in 
Christ's words, "Ye also shall bear witness," * 
nor can we disregard them without suffering 
accordingly. 

I have known professors to act as though 
confessing Christ before men were very much 
like taking a dose of unpleasant medicine; they 
seemed glad when the ordeal was over, and 
hoped never to be compelled to suffer another. 
But there is no call for such feelings as these. 
Probably no one will hurt you for confess- 
ing your faith, and if any should feel so dis- 
posed, never mind — better confess, just the 
same, and count it a joy to suffer for Jesus' 
sake. He was not restrained by fear of pain 
in His sacrifice for us, and if "that mind be in 
us which was also in Christ Jesus," delight shall 

* Jno. xv., 27. 



142 SHADOWS. 



accompany the thought of doing whatever we 
know will please Him best, even though it be 
to suffer for His sake. 

Another fear, and one which is very harass- 
ing in its nature, afflicts many of God's chil- 
dren who should be resting in His faithfulness 
to perform what He has promised. It is, that 
they will not hold out, and, by their failure, 
reproach the cause they love; and they console 
themselves that this lack of confidence is mod- 
esty, while in reality it supposes the probabil- 
ity of unfaithfulness somewhere, either on 
God's part or theirs. No more certain is the 
law of cause and effect than the promise of 
reward to him who is loyal to his God. Now, 
if we fear failure, we presume either that we 
shall prove recreant or that God will leave His 
promise unfulfilled; for failure can come only 
as the result of one of these two causes. As 
God cannot fail, the responsibility falls back 
upon us, and our fear must be that, in some 
way, we will retract. But the very idea of this 
should be excluded from our remotest thought. 
What would you think of the husband who 
was constantly tortured with the fear that per- 
haps he w r ould some day prove untrue to the 



SHADOWS. 143 



one who had forsaken all for him? You would 
declare that his profession of regard had been 
too hasty; that he had run a frightful risk in 
asking so much at another's hands, before he 
was sure that he desired it; that his affection 
was too shallow: and you would declare the 
truth. He should have been so certain, before 
assuming such responsibility, that the fear now 
distressing him could not exist: no, not even 
its shadow; and his rashness has shattered, 
beyond recovery, the earthly prospects of two 
lives. 

And how must it grieve our God to feel 
that the affection professed by His beloved is 
so uncertain that they fear some day to betray 
it! Fearfulness is a dark shadow which often 
proves to be a source of untold discomfort and 
perplexity to the Christian, and which can only 
be dispelled by the light, strength and warmth 
of a perfect love. 

A stranger to religion, noting only the 
shadows here enumerated, might almost be 
brought to a pause of indecision, not knowing 
whether to choose the world or Christ (if he 
were taught to believe these shadows neces- 
sary, which, of course, is not the case), yet the 



144 SHADOWS. 



catalogue is still incomplete. Another cloud, 
no larger than a man's hand at first, but which 
often spreads until it covers the whole face of 
the spiritual heavens, sometimes veils the sun- 
shine from the Christian's heart. It is anxious 
care, better known as ivorry. There is plenty 
in this world to trouble those who will permit 
themselves to be disturbed by trifles ; and 
where the lesson of self-mastery is not thor- 
oughly learned, fretfulness and anxiety are sure 
to abound. People of great responsibility 
necessarily have much with which they must 
contend; but leaving them, and entering the 
quietest abodes, where one would think per- 
plexity could find no footing, we listen to the 
same story of troubled minds and careworn 
hearts. It seems that people must worry about 
somebody or something, and if no other cause 
can be found, they will worry about them- 
selves. 

This will answer for the world, where the 
whole attention is given to considering present 
needs, but when we come to Christians, better 
things are expected. We expect that victory 
is attending them during this earthly jour- 
ney; that these temporal concerns rest lightly 



SHADOWS. 145 



upon their hearts, for they have independent 
resources upon which they rely, so that it does 
not matter so much as* might be supposed 
whether vvorldly success or failure attends them. 
If they do well, they, of course, are thank- 
ful; but if otherwise, they know God will 
protect them in some way, and though they 
would be pleased with more of the good things 
of this life, if it might be so, since it cannot, 
they are going to be happy without them. 
This is what men expect of Christians: — that 
they have cheerful, contented, grateful and 
happy spirits; hearts reconciled to all unavoid- 
able misfortune, and indifferent to such advan- 
tages as cannot be made available; thankful 
dispositions, always looking on the bright side 
of things, seeking cause for cheerfulness when 
it is not easy to be found, never complaining 
when prospects are dark, but giving thanks 
that they are no worse. This is what men have 
a right to expect of Christians, for it is nothing 
more than they should exhibit; but, alas! those 
who expect such things are often sadly disap- 
pointed; for worry and unrest frequently afflict 
believers. Oh, ye members of God's family 
who read these lines, have you not many times 



146 SHADOWS. 



had reason to respond, "That is so"? Faith- 
ful in prayer, abundant in labors, tender in 
conscience, careful in daily walk, possessing 
every badge of discipleship, yet worried still! 
Troubled, notwithstanding the command "Let 
not your heart be troubled;" burdened, when 
it is written "Cast thy burden upon the Lord;" 
anxious, though Christ commanded "Take no 
thought;" and wearied with care, as though we 
had not been told to be "careful for nothing" 
(with such anxious, unnecessary care, of course, 
as distresses and afflicts). What does it all 
mean? and what must the world think of Chris- 
tians who endure the ills of life little better 
than themselves? There must be something 
wrong. It is time for self-examination. Gods 
commands are not meaningless. Not one of 
us would lie or steal or swear, yet how is it 
that we assume the right to bear a load of care 
while he commands, "Be careful for nothing"? 
Ah, we walk beneath a shadow, while the sun- 
shine of God's love is filling ten thousand souls 
with glory! It is time for us to get into the 
light, for God awaits to bless us also. 

But this is enough on shadows. Idle and 
harmful words, impatience, doubt, fear and 



SHADOWS. 147 



anxious care. What a list! Something must 
be done, for it would be exceedingly unprofit- 
able to worry through a long and tedious pil- 
grimage of this kind, trusting that death will 
furnish happy relief. Such is not God's design. 
Provision for a far better life on earth is made. 
The only question to determine is, "Shall we 
have victory, or thus plod on?" We do not 
accuse all our readers of walking beneath 
shadows. Let those of you whose happy ex- 
periences refute such accusation rejoice, for 
God has done great things for you; but let 
others, whose speaking consciences whisper 
that w r e have declared truth, not fiction, re- 
member that you are meant; and may the 
blessed Spirit so work upon your hearts, that 
no consideration shall be able to induce you 
longer to tolerate such impediments to your 
development. 



148 SUNSHINE. 



CHAPTER IX. 

SUNSHINE. 

Could we for a moment forget all unhappy 
experiences of the past, become oblivious of 
what we have learned throughout years of sad 
reality, and look out upon the beauty of a 
perfect morning in June, with nature decked 
in garlands of living green, it would be difficult 
for us to believe there is anything wrong in this 
delightful world, that aught exists to mar the 
joys of the favored dwellers here. Everything 
seems anxious to relate its story of purity, 
peace and gladness. From the zephyr, stirring 
the treetops, comes a whisper of praise to God 
and good-will to man. It greets us gently, 
.kindly, as if to say, " There is no sorrow here." 

The music from ten thousand songsters also 
contributes a convincing argument to natures 
joyousness. We listen to the chorus in which 
each warbler vies with its happy mate, as if 
desirous of excelling in the blissful praise- 
song, having more of gratitude than can be 
expressed through his dainty throat. We 



SUNSHINE. 149 



catch the inspiration of the hour, and, as we 
witness such undoubted happiness throughout 
the summer's day, and listen to the evening 
strain as the music falls faintly on the air, like 
a long sigh for more time to offer praise to 
God, and the warblers sink away to rest, to be 
protected by the Father who careth for the 
sparrows, we muse and say, " Surely there is 
no sorrow here. " 

And when the song is hushed, and nature 
is wrapped in the embrace of sleep, when the 
curtains of night have enveloped the world, 
and the stars have crept from their hiding- 
places, as if to guard the helpless slumberers 
from unseen foes, and the dome of nature 
presents to our vision a "picture surpassing the 
beauty of earth, we are impressed with the 
reign of peace. From the breeze, birds and 
skies we are taught of innocence, obedience 
and happiness, and we would close the scene 
while yet 'tis fair. But another picture is pre- 
sented; one which modifies our joys by de- 
pressing our hearts with sadness. The memory 
of what we have seen and known of human 
trial, suspended only for a moment, again 
flashes vividly before us. 



iS'o SUNSHWE. 



Man is vile, and full of sorrow! Gods 
lesser works are innocent; His greatest one is 
defaced, corrupted, ruined! With pain we 
turn from these pleasant lessons of nature, to 
meet a reality we fain would disbelieve. But 
alas it is too true! Sing, bright warblers, your 
most plaintive notes! sing softly, sadly; for 
man has fallen ! Sigh, gentle zephyrs, whisper- 
ing through the tree-tops! sigh mournfully, 
yet sigh your sympathy, for man has fallen! 
Weep, oh skies above us! weep tenderly, 
kindly; shed tears of pity as ye witness man's 
distress, for he has fallen! 

But we will not prolong this contemplation, 
for more might be written of man's sorrow, the 
direct or indirect result of sin, than years of 
reading could disclose; and after we had given 
time and energy to know all, we would be no 
happier than at present. So the sooner we 
may turn our thoughts to brighter themes, the 
better will it be for all concerned. While we 
give diligence to extend sympathy to the sor- 
rowing, let all our griefs be committed to the 
Savior. At the hallowed Cross let us all find 
sweet relief; for it is our privilege to lay our 
burdens down. It is written that Jesus Christ. 



SUNSHINE. 151 



was " delivered for our offenses and raised again 
for our justification;" but do we not often fail 
of appropriating to ourselves the privilege of 
laying down our burdens ? Yet it is as truly 
written, "Cast thy burden on the Lord. " Why, 
then, should we be pressed down with a weight 
of unnecessary care ? Are we so fond of bur- 
den-bearing that we assume the load of our 
own free wills ? We may find burdens and 
sorrows enough, all of which are fully equal 
to our strength, without touching any of our 
own. Are you indeed anxious to be a bur- 
den-bearer ? Opportunity is given for this, 
and the wisest preparation for the work is 
to become entirely rid of your own, for you 
can render better service far to others, with 
a light heart and a face so full of joy that, 
by your presence the comfortless will be led 
to forget their griefs, than you can while 
oppressed by numerous burdens of your 
own. 

Therefore, have this question of burden- 
bearing settled here and now, and forevermore. 
Men pray that God may use them. How can 
He, while they are cumbered with cares, bowed 



152 SUNSHINE. 

with sorrows, and while a cheerless gloom still 
rests upon them from walking so long beneath 
the shadows of inconsistency? While idle or 
harmful words, for which God has no use what- 
ever, escape the lips that should be consecrated 
to the sacred cause of truth, that others taking 
knowledge may be led to glorify the God they 
love — when slight provocation elicits such 
displays of temper as even the ungodly justly 
condemn, and should be foreign to every fol- 
lower of Christ — when mysteries, in which this 
life always abounds, and which should be met 
with the calm assurance that God still reigns, 
though now hidden for a moment, shake the 
faith that should be as immovable as the ever- 
lasting hills — when fear of reproach or shame 
seals the lips which should be proclaiming this 
great salvation, so that perhaps three-fourths of 
the opportunities presented are forever lost, or 
when trials no greater than those of others and 
which must be bravely met if they are not to 
overcome them, produce such unrest that half 
their comfort is taken away, — how can God use 
such people, I ask, in the great warfare against 
the world, the flesh and the devil ? 



SUA T SHIJVE. T53 



He desires men whom He can trust; who 
shrink not to undertake the most difficult tasks, 
and are ready, in His name, to assume any 
responsibility He desires to place upon them. 
His service means constant vigilance, faithful- 
ness, work and prayer; not leisure, indulgence 
and self-preference. The posts which must be 
guarded cannot be committed to those who 
may desert at any time. God knows in whom 
He can confide, and faithful soldiers will never 
need to be out of service; for God will use any 
man who proves himself worthy of His Master's 
confidence. Do you now pray that God may 
use you? then depart from beneath these 
shadows into the sunshine of God's love, and 
none shall be busierthan yourself in doing good. 

Though many Christians squander time 
with doubts and fears and trembling, it 
is unnecessary. The life which believers 
should lead is different altogether. The Bible 
declares it to be different; and no Christian has 
faithfully discharged his duty, who consents to 
remain the subject of such defeat, though it is 
so frequently done. Years pass rapidly, leav- 
ing Christians much the same, possibly a shade 
more zealous each January, to slip back into 



154 SUNSHINE. 



the well-beaten track of former experiences, 
then commence again and go the rounds now 
so familiar. But it is not the right way, and 
no one can offer a satisfactory plea for pursuing 
it, for Scripture teaches differently. 

Would that by the sword of the Spirit, 
which is the Word of God, we might deal all 
inconsistencies their death-blow; then they 
could give no further trouble. But they are 
difficult to annihilate. Yet we will give them 
no quarter, but wield this sword at every step. 
The declaration that for " every idle word that 
men shall speak, they shall give account thereof 
in the day of judgment,"* and the commands, 
"Be ye holy in all manner of conversation, "f 
"Let your conversation be as it becometh the 
Gospel of Christ,''! "Let your speech be al- 
ways with Grace; seasoned with salt, that ye 
may know how ye ought to answer every 
man"§ should be sufficient to decide forever 
whether men are at liberty to speak as though 
they had special permission to talk according 
to the promptings of their own feelings. 

The injunction to "Be patient toward all 

men;"|| to "follow after patience, "H to "let 

*Matt. xil, 36. \\ Pet. i., 15. JPhil. L, 27. 

§Colos. iv., 6. ||1 Thqss. v., 14. 11 Tim. vL, 11 



SUNSHINE. 155 

patience have her perfect work,""* to "add to 
temperance patience, "f and the truth spoken 
so becomingly, "Ye have need of patience, 
that, after ye have done the will of God ye 
might receive the promise"! should forbid all 
further satisfaction in the persuasion that you, 
perhaps, are prospering as well as some one 
else, even though that person is considered a 
model of Christian integrity. What though 
this may be the truth? It falls below the 
standard, and you are not prospering as well 
as you ought to be if you still yield to impa- 
tience. 

The command to "be not faithless, but 
believing, "§ to "stand fast in the faith, quit ye 
like men, be strong, v || to be not "of doubt- 
ful mind, "If the approval always shown by 
Christ to the believing, as to the woman of 
Canaan, and the reproof ever ready for the 
doubter, as to sinking Peter on the sea of Gali- 
lee — these evidences of God's will concerning 
us leave it not optional whether we shall doubt 
or believe. We must not doubt whatever be 
our position, if the will of God is to be re- 
spected. 

*Jas. i.,4. f 2p et. i.,6. JHeb. x., 36. 

§Jno. xx., 27. Ill Cor.xvi., 13. ILtike xii., 29. 



156 SUNSHINE. 



The repeated command not to fear, as in 
those assuring words with promise, "Fear thou 
not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for 
I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I 
will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the 
right hand of my righteousness,"* and where 
Jesus speaks to the encouragement of His be- 
loved saying, "Fear not, little flock; for it is 
your Father's good pleasure to give you the 
kingdom, t" should be all we need desire to 
convince us that it is wrong for Christians 
to tremble at the opinions of men, and shirk 
their duty, lest by performing it they should 
be made to suffer. If they were living as they 
ought to be, the thought of displeasing God 
would produce far more distress than the fear 
of what man can do unto them. 

And again, we should feel reproached to 
expect less at the bountiful hand of God than 
is given to the sparrow and the lily of the field. 
They are fed and clothed; shall we not have 
as much? We are of more value, and still He 
cares for them; shall we not share His favor, 
when He "knoweth that we have need of all 
these things?" Unbelievers manage to obtain 

*Isa. xli., 10. \Ia\\lq xii., 32. 



SUNSHINE. 157 

them without the special manifestation of God's 
favor, how much more they who have sought 
"first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
ness," when it is written "all these things shall 
be added?" It often requires years for Chris- 
tians to learn that worry* can never further 
their designs. Some never learn it. If this 
time were spent in faithful work for God, larger 
results would bless the world, while God's care 
for them would permit no greater privation 
than their highest good demands. What power 
we should witness if the commands here 
noted were obeyed! What sunny lives would 
ours be, if these shadows were driven forever 
from our spiritual lives! Yet this is possible, 
•and no believer should remain satisfied with an 
experience short of this. The question is not, 
"What may you do?" but "What will you do?" 
Victory awaits you; will you have it? The 
beams of perfect love are pouring their vigor, 
warmth and beauty into a thousand hearts this 
hour, and the question is, "Will you step into 
the light, or remain beneath the shadow?" You 
may take your choice; have your own way and 
be weak, or permit God to have His way and 
be strong. Deny yourself the luxury of indul- 



158 SUNSHINE. 

gence and be free, or continue to cling to that 
religion which appears to tolerate so many in- 
consistencies and remain a slave. You can do 
as you please, for no one but yourself is to de- 
cide the question. 

Self-denial! How difficult it seems! But 
contest must always precede conquest, and 
whoever becomes victorious will have a part to 
act in this spiritual warfare. And though it 
cost you a struggle to be made free, it is worthy 
your effort. You may easily be a slave if you 
desire, but it will be at too great a sacrifice. 
You cannot afford to be a slave. Victory 
should be your watchword; victory at any cost; 
victory to-day, victory forever! If it were not 
promised, these words might savor of extrava- 
gance. But we speak prudently. There is 
greater reason to hope for victory in the Chris- 
tian warfare than in any other, for we have the 
assurance of the presence and assistance of the 
" Mighty to Save." Now, if equal diligence 
were given in this field of combat to what is 
observed in others, life would be one grand con- 
quest for truth and righteousness and God. 

How do men strive for the mastery in other 
things! How persevering are their efforts 



SUNSHINE. 159 



to obtain whatever they believe will prove of 
greatest value to them. If political distinction 
is their aim, their time, energy, means and 
often principle are cheerfully given. If it is 
education, the days, crowded with work, are 
still too short, and nights of fevered, nervous 
study follow, until the brain is overwrought and 
health is impaired. If it be wealth, so deter- 
mined is the pursuit thereof, that scarcely time 
is allowed for the observance of the laws of 
health or obedience to the demands of society 
and home. If life be jeopardized through ill- 
ness, what a scene is presented in the afflicted 
household? Vigils are kept, physicians are 
summoned, labors suspended for the more im- 
portant work of caring for the sick. Sym- 
pathies are extended by anxious friends, and 
there is no rest until relief is given. And this 
is right, for life is precious. It is dear to all 
and we cling to it. A man will sacrifice any 
reasonable thing for his life. There are trials, 
but still we cry, "Give us life!" Sorrows come, 
but we will endure the sorrows, only let us 
live! Business, property and every other con- 
sideration may go, but we will live if we can, 
and trust to Providence for future support. 



160 SUNSHINE. 

Such is the view men take of earthly advan- 
tages and life as a rule. They strive for them 
as though they meant to win. When eternal 
life, so happily begun in them, is considered, 
their courage is often small, their efforts feeble, 
their time for its consideration limited, and de- 
nial in its behalf, if made at all, is made me- 
chanically. Then when the painful conscious- 
ness of small development demands an expla- 
nation, they stand aghast, and wonder why it is 
they fail to grow, but remain so long beneath 
the shadows! There is no " wonder" about it. 
They have all the sunshine, joy and victory 
that can be accorded to them. They find their 
level, which men are surer to do in religion than 
in anything else. Christian privilege should 
not be dishonored by such instability. This is 
not the way to live religion, nor need we live 
thus. When Christ said " Learn of Me," He 
designed that His lessons be put to better prac- 
tice; and they should be, for the Bible teaches 
a different method of serving God. There is 
such a thing as living with a firm faith, a peace 
whose depths are ever undisturbed, in which 
denial becomes a pleasure, and impatience, 
murmuring and fear are disallowed. There is 



SUNSHINE. 161 



a life in which God Himself has such complete 
possession of the heart, that no room remains 
for self or sin. It is opposed (a fate shared by 
many things of worth), but is none the worse 
for that; and I wish so to outline this life, that 
when you see it, you shall be unable to mis- 
take it. 

No such perfection of judgment is claimed 
for it as will preclude the possibility of com- 
mitting error. To this we shall be liable, as 
long as we remain in the flesh; and the most 
conscientious may have occasion to witness dis- 
astrous results of blunders or failures they have 
innocently made. Said an individual of a per- 
son who, for a year, had claimed the heritage 
of faith (and, if I rightly judge, the words 
were tinctured well with sarcasm), "She has 
been perfect for a year!" Tis a mistake! and 
no one should study a theme so sacred with as 
little care as these words betray, or scatter 
tares so sure to choke the better seed. An 
intelligent student of God's Word will not 
consent to profess a thing so impracticable, and 
where it is professed, the conclusion may be 
safely drawn that there is something wrong, 
either with the head or the heart. 



162 SUNSHINE. 



Nor does this life claim such development 
as admits of no further attainment; rather the 
removal of such obstacles as rendered growth 
difficult if not impossible. As the well-formed 
leaf of spring-time has but commenced its growth 
when the bud has opened and its fetters have 
been removed, as the babe, with form and 
feature so symmetrical and well defined, is 
destined to develop until strong manhood is 
the result, the child of God whose life accords 
with the divine arrangement, is freed from 
that which impedes his growth while yet 
his knowledge is quite limited. Purity may 
bless the life of him who knows but little; 
maturity is only seen after long training in the 
school of Christ. 

But this life does claim such renewal of our 
being as removes inbred sin natural to the 
human heart, the creation within us of clean 
hearts, the elimination from our spiritual nature 
of everything contrary to the will of God and 
the Gospel of Christ. We are born in sin. As 
soon as we are able we practice it, having 
devoted neither time nor pains to learn. After 
having reached the years of understanding, we 
are led through the Holy Spirit to feel our 



SUNSHINE. 163 

guilt. We are impressed that it is our duty to 
seek pardon. By prayer and study of the 
Bible, we find that a way of escape from sin 
and its eternal penalty has been provided. 
We hasten at once to Christ. Our sins are 
confessed with penitence, forgiveness is 
granted, and we enter into rest. Our prayers 
are answered. There is "no condemnation." 
" Being justified by faith, we have peace with 
God through our Lord Jesus Christ. " But, 
ere long, trials come; temptation assails. We 
yield, then repent in sorrow, and resolve never 
to yield again. But soon this is repeated, 
and in astonishment we demand, "How is 
this? Why do I thus sin? What mean these 
roots of bitterness, and I a professed follower 
of Christ?" Then is born within us a yearn- 
ing for something more! A something, we 
scarcely know what to call it, but something 
to which we still are strangers — higher, might- 
ier, deeper, broader than what has been expe- 
rienced, and which will enable us to exist 
without transgressing thus. 

But some one will ask, "Why was not this 
given at first? God is perfect, whatever he 
does is also perfect. Why, then, did He leave 



1 64 SUNSHINE. 



me in such a condition ?" We answer, God did 
perform perfectly what you desired, and all 
you thought of at the time. Your heart was 
burdened and you sought pardon. Was it 
not given? Have you so soon forgotten the 
rest and joy and comfort of the blissful day 
"when first you saw the Lord?" How the 
burden was rolled away, and your lips could 
not restrain the gratitude which would find 
expression in songs of praise? It is a happy 
memory and will live forever. But what now? 
You desire again. Is it that you have entirely 
lost what you then received? Not at all. You 
are still a child of God, the condemnation for 
past sins does not afflict you now, but I will 
tell you what the trouble is. You have been 
learning more of your heart, which now refuses 
to be satisfied with pardon only. God has 
been teaching you that though pardon is good, 
something more is needed to keep you from 
further offense. The Holy Spirit did not 
reveal everything at once. He first told you 
that pardon was necessary, and assisted you in 
finding it. To-day He comes with another 
message of love, whispering that you need a 
clean heart, and will as truly aid you in secur- 



SUNSHINE. 165 

ing that also. O, believing child of God, are 
not these words the truth? Do not you feel 
that something more is necessary? Then be 
content to listen to the faithful voice of God 
that calls you. Waste no time with hair- 
breadth technicalities. Your soul hungers still? 
Then let it feast on living bread. 



166 WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 



CHAPTER X. 
WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 

Salvation signifies preservation from some 
calamity. Let me illustrate. A ship is put in 
trim for a voyage along the coast. The day 
for departure has dawned, and the captain, 
who has encountered a hundred storms with- 
out sustaining serious injury or loss, (regardless 
of the service-signal raised in prediction of a 
coming storm, that all may see and take the 
warning) issues the command to start, and the 
ship sails. All is serene for a time, but presently, 
and without an hour's warning, an irresistible 
hurricane sweeps down upon them. It lashes 
the water into maddened billows which rise 
higher and higher with every passing hour. 

The surprised and terrified seamen work 
heroically for a time, but to no avail. First, 
the spars fall overboard, then the helm is un- 
shipped, and after the now unmanageable craft 
has wrestled bravely with the elements, she is 



WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 167 

cruelly hurled against the reef, where she is 
hopelessly disabled, and begins to fill and sink. 
Anxious men have now assembled upon the 
shore, and are ready with the life-boat, only 
awaiting the signal of distress, to which they 
promptly respond; and pushing through the 
surf, are soon at the vessel's side. Ere long 
this captain, self-confident as he had been, and 
all his men, are safe upon the land. Let us 
linger with them there, that we may also wit- 
ness the closing scene. 

Seamen become attached to their vessels, and 
are not easily reconciled to the thought of their 
destruction. They stand by them to the last, 
sometimes at their own risk. This is the case 
in the instance before us, w r ith the owner and 
master of the ship. Seeming to forget his 
rescue, and thinking only of the sinking vessel, 
he wishes to watch the craft until she is lost to 
sight beneath the waves; and with this desire, 
gazing intently upon the ship, regardless of 
danger, he walks the beach, until he has reached 
the lower strand. And now a mountain breaker, 
rolling in, trips him from his feet, and with its 
receding motion carries him back into the 
seething waters, and his friends come again to 



168 WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US 

his assistance by throwing him a line, which he 
seizes with desperate grasp, and firmly holds, 
until, drenched, bruised and chilled, he is 
drawn safely to the shore. The captain was 
saved, but not in as good shape as might have 
been the case, had he exercised greater cau- 
tion. Far up on the bluff, where the bil- 
lows do not reach, stand the crew, also be- 
holding the exciting scene; but, think they, 
we have been rescued once, and will not need- 
lessly expose ourselves to further danger; since 
nothing can be gained by venturing, we will 
remain where the storm is unable to 'do us 
harm. These men, both crew and captain, 
were saved; but how much better off were they 
than he? 

Indulge me in another illustration. A 
building is in flames. At an upper window a 
boy cries wildly for aid. Soon the fireman 
ascends the ladder, grasps the child, binds him 
to himself and descends/ The boy is saved! 
What expressions of gratitude escape the child's 
lips, and how he lauds the heroism of his res- 
cuer! 

But boys, though easily frightened, are not 
slow in recovering; and our hero wishes to 



WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 169 

remain and witness the progress of the fire. 
He desires to wait at least until the roof falls 
in, then he will be content to go; and drawing 
nearer than safety will allow, that he may com- 
mand the best view possible, he stands and 
gazes with others upon the scene of conflagra- 
tion, till suddenly a dislodged rafter, clothed 
with flame, falling from the height, alights at 
his very standing place, bruising and crippling 
the boy who must now be carried from the 
ground. That boy was saved, but might not 
he have been more fortunate with greater 
prudence? 

Now let me tell you about salvation on a 
larger scale. There burns a fire of greater 
intensity than the one depicted in my illustra- 
tion, for all who remain forgetful of God. It is 
the remorse which ever follows sin, begun 
even in this life; it may be the same in the 
next, doubtless associated with something of 
more material form; but whatever be its nature, 
it is bad enough, and hot enough, and is to 
endure eternally. Now the race was exposed 
to this calamity when God beheld its danger. 
He saw that unless a hand to rescue was 
extended, the race must be forever lost; and in 



1 70 WHY SUA DO WS TR O UBLE US. 

mercy sent His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, 
who, regardless of His own ease, came to save 
us. We stand to-day as brands "plucked out 
of the burning. " 

Well may Christians rejoice that their sins 
are pardoned, that they have been rescued, and 
are now the children of God. How safe they 
feel! How confident that no harm can reach 
them through the existence of this fiery region! 
But often they become careless; for, as the 
saved child of my illustration, they, having been 
rescued, presume to draw nearer and nearer to 
the forbidden ground, the border-line of sinful- 
ness, and are scorched ere they are aware of it. 
Sin enters, they yield to temptation, and 
though they return immediately to Christ for 
the balm provided for every wound, they are 
compelled to suffer for their presumption. 
And it is well for them that they do suffer, for 
possibly experience may some day teach them 
that if they would not be burned, they must 
keep away from the fire. 

This is the plane upon which many Chris- 
tians are living. They are being scorched 
and wounded and bruised each day they 
live; and so accustomed have they become to 



WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 171 

this mode of life, that they regard their sins as 
unavoidable during earthly existence, and the 
conception of life from which they are elim- 
inated is to them an absurdity; yea, more; 
an impossibility; while before them lies the 
open Bible in which sin is condemned in 
strongest terms, but sanctioned nowhere; in 
which men are warned, besought, commanded 
to forsake it, on penalty of death if they refuse; 
where they are taught that it is wrong, nay, 
absolutely wicked to commit it; that indulgence 
in it constitutes the deepest possible offense 
against the God they profess to love; where it 
is written, — "Awake to righteousness, and sin 
not. "* "Abstain from all appearance of evil, "t 
"Let everyone that nameth the name of 
Christ depart from iniquity. "£ "Stand in awe 
and sin not."% "Thou art of purer eyes than 
to behold evil, and canst not look upon iniq- 
uity."|| "These things write I unto you, that 
ye sin not."\ "Be sober, be vigilant; because 
your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, 
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 
Whom resist steadfast in the faith. " ## 

* 1 Cor. xv., 34. f 1 Thess. v., 22. % 2 Tim. ii., 19. 
§ Ps. iv., 4. II Habak i., 13. 1 1 Jno. ii., 1. 

** 1 Pet. v., 8, 9. 



172 WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 

What mean these words? and how shall we 
ignore them? They stand unchangeable as 
God himself; nor can they suffer modification. 
Whosoever would venture to add to these words 
of life, or take from them, must suffer most 
certainly the Divine displeasure. No man 
must trespass upon the dignity of the sacred 
Book. It must remain unaltered, as the holy 
word of God. This we all know, nor would 
we be guilty of such presumption. What 
construction, then, shall we put upon these 
imperative words? Do they mean "resist" 
until some formidable temptation is presented, 
and then yield, only for the moment, being sure 
to return and seek forgiveness? Or are we to 
understand that we may indulge in an occa- 
sional transgression, with care, however, not to 
wander very far astray, but as soon as con- 
science begins to lash us, hasten to Christ and 
again implore His favor, only to repeat the 
indulgence at the next opportunity? This 
were but playing with truth, and would be an 
outrage to the sense of honor and propriety. 
If the Bible taught such doctrine, the standard 
of Christianity would fall so low that the honest- 
minded would consider it unworthy of their 



WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 173 

attention. Yet in practical life Christians too 
often display to a criticising world a religion of 
this very type; a religion by which they are 
not kept from sinning week by week and month 
by month. They make no such profession; but 
willingly admit that though possessing some 
knowledge of the way of life, conscience fre- 
quently arrests them for transgression. And 
they expect nothing different from this so long 
as they remain in the flesh, but seem to have 
resigned themselves to the prospect of being 
thus subjected to frequent defeat, with the hope 
that death will furnish some wonderfully trans- 
forming power, by which they shall at last be 
liberated from the bondage which all their lives 
long so reduced their comfort! 

Alas for the race if this be all that Chris- 
tianity affords! And alas for the incomplete 
fulfillment of Christ's mission, though He died 
upon the cross for sinners. The eloquence of 
prophets w T ho foretold His coming stirred the 
hearts of thousands. The eyes of a world 
gazed with profoundest interest at His advent. 
Happy millions, catching the enthusiasm, have 
since proclaimed that the Redeemer has come, 
that He has "led captivity captive/' that 



174 WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 

through His merits burdened souls are freed 
"from the law of sin and death!" But stop! It 
is a mistake! He came, truly, with this intent, 
to "save His people from their sins," but the 
project has proved to be only a partial success. 
He can save from many sins but not from all! 
From the most extravagant, but not from the 
numerous offenses which are just as truly sinful 
in God's sight, though less noticeable to the 
eyes of men! these must be suffered to exist, at 
least, if not to dominate, until the disappointed 
soul is liberated by death and the life to come. 
What a pity! Hush, ye jubilant saints, who 
fondly declare His power to save. You are 
deluded ! you are not so wonderfully saved, you 
cannot be in this world of evil; death alone can 
set you free. God, for Christ's sake will for- 
give you to-day if you implore Him, but 
to-morrow you will need to sin again! Oh,, 
what hallucination! What an error is thus 
crippling the church of God ! Shall we 
tolerate this thought? Shall we accept with 
satisfaction a religion whose standard extends 
no further benefit to a dying race than this? 
Verily, we shall not! We dare not! for thus 
we would dishonor the cause we love! Away 



WHY SUA BO WS TR O UBLE US. 1 7 5 

with such offense! and give to Christ the honor 
due unto His name! There is no failure in 
God's plan for our salvation. It is perfect, and 
meets our every want for this world as well as 
for the other! "Ye are clean," said Christ, 
"through the word which I have spoken unto 
you."* But he is not clean who sins when 
temptations are presented. Before he can be 
clean, these tendencies to evil must be over- 
come through the grace of God who always 
rewards the faith that worketh by a perfect love 
to Him. The soul must feel and avoid the 
slightest approach of sin, and find shelter in 
God ere the curse has been able to taint his soul. 
How reasonable is the view which honors 
God with power to keep from evil those who 
have committed themselves to Him; and how 
absurd to suppose Him capable of saving from 
such transgressions as are commonly accounted 
to be enormous, yet either unable or unwilling 
to save from such as are often committed by 
Christians whose standing in the estimation of 
all is excellent, but who know that they are 
not living as they should, and as the Bible com- 
mands them to live. That He does save from 

* Jno. xv., 3. 



176 WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 

the most glaring sins, we know: for many of us 
have not only proved this truth to our own sat- 
isfaction, but have witnessed it in others. Let 
us take an ordinary case byway of illustration. 
Here is one who once was a notorious transgress- 
or, daily committing sins of great enormity. In- 
temperance, with its attendant vices, was the 
evil which always mastered him. The labors of 
most faithful friends failed to effect reform. 
He solemnly gave his promise to abstain; re- 
solved twice as often not to fall again; but not- 
withstanding all, the gutter became weekly more 
familiar, he failed, and failed again, until it 
seemed that no hope remained. 

Thus, comfortless, he one day strolled to 
the place where sinners were being called to 
repentance. Conviction seized the man. 
Though conscious of his degradation, and 
almost in despair, he began to inquire the way 
of life, asking if there was hope. Faithful 
Christians assisted the returning wanderer, and 
bade him "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ/' 
assuring him that thus he should "be saved." 
He questioned not the truth. With the faith 
of childhood he did believe, and the same hour 
entered into rest. The Spirit witnessed with 



WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US, 177 

his spirit that he was a child of God. Hope 
for the future became hourly more radiant. 
Joy thrilled his heart as he confessed the Savior 
of the i 'chief" of sinners. From that day he 
was a changed man. No more intemperance 
impaired his health and destroyed the happiness 
of his home, but each day'brought fresh com- 
forts to that stricken family. The man was 
saved! and that by the most reliable method 
known to reclaim permanently the drunkard. 
That day will never be forgotten. It marked 
the beginning of a better life. And as he now 
beholds one of his former companions of the 
wine-cup reeling by the wayside, with reddened 
eyes and other marks of dissipation, the tear 
starts to his eye; his voice is raised in thanks 
to his great deliverer as he affirms, that, had it 
not been for the grace of God he would be as 
wretched as the sot he pities so. 

And yet this very man is conscious of com- 
mitting sin in one form or another almost every 
day he lives. Nothing noticeable to others it 
may be. They do not condemn him, but he is 
respected as a God-fearing man, which is the 
truth. Perhaps it is only an impatient act or 
word when he should be victorious. It maybe 



1 78 WHY SUA DO WS TROUBLE US. 

but slight indulgence in thoughts of revenge or 
other unkindness, in which the will concurs, 
and which is afterward confessed with sorrow. 
Possibly an act of selfishness when he under- 
stands very well the way of self-denial. Some- 
thing of this kind, but sufficient to convince 
him that though he has been raised from the 
gutter, there still remains much which should 
be different, and which the Bible condemns. 
Now let me ask just here: would it be more 
difficult for God to save him from such offenses 
as these which are barely noticeable to the 
world, than it was for Him to save from the 
glaring sin of intemperance? Indeed no! And 
so it may be said of every sin, no matter what 
its nature. If God can save from one sin, He 
can from all. How reasonably, then, may 
believers hope to swing out from beneath the 
shadows of unfaithfulness which often darken 
the Christian's pathway! Oh, tempted ones, 
desirous of victory though often defeated, 
remember Jesus! He is "mighty to save." As 
you go into the world, the enemy will beset 
you no less severely than he has a thousand 
times already. But when the darkest hour 
has come, bear in mind that Jesus is able 



WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 179 

to save you where and as you are. Then raise 
your heart to the Answerer of Prayer, and, as 
the Lord liveth, deliverance will come. 

Let us not trifle about religion, becoming 
wearied before we have gone far enough to 
appreciate fully the beauties of Christianity, as 
those children, who but half complete the tasks 
which, if faithfully performed, would be of untold 
benefit to them. How often this is seen. I 
have known parents to be desirous that their 
child should acquire a musical education, and 
make all necessary preparations. The instru- 
ment was purchased, the services of the 
instructor engaged, the child herself was all 
enthusiasm over the new idea, and almost 
imagined herself already to be a musician. 
But a few lessons in the rudiments, a few weeks' 
practice on the keyboard, some weariness from 
the necessary exertion, and the project was 
abandoned; given up just before the most 
unpleasant portion of that labor always pre- 
ceding the display of accomplishment, was 
fulfilled; when a trifle more endurance and 
determination wpuld have placed the pupil 
where practice is pleasure. No one becomes 
proficient in that way. There must be faithful, 



i8o WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 

persistent effort if anything worth the while is 
to be achieved. 

And though salvation is bestowed as a free 
gift, the gift is frequently abused. Christians 
often betray the spirit of childish weariness in 
well-doing; almost becoming victorious, but not 
quite, they remain " tossed with the tempest" by 
which those of shallow experience are ever dis- 
turbed, "and not comforted," when, by little 
more persistence, they might enter into rest. 
They choose to remain among the breakers 
whose roily waters lash the beach, instead of 
launching out where depths are unfathomable, 
and where there is a possibility of outriding such 
storms as may come, without disaster. 

But there is a reason for this depreciation 
of God's gift, and the attendant weariness "in 
well-doing." There is a cause for unfaithfulness 
in the Christian life, and we wish just here to 
point it out. God commands us not to sin; 
declares what the consequences shall be if we 
do; tells us that Christ is able also "to save 
them to the uttermost that come unto God by 
Him." Why is it then that Christians are 
troubled with experiences so unsatisfactory, to 
say the least? The answer, corroborated by 



WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 181 

the testimony and experience of ten thousand 
Christians is, that notwithstanding the fact that 
they believe God to be love, and therefore 
worthy of their unlimited confidence, this belief 
has not been acted upon to the full extent of 
their capability; and such a reserve of their 
affections has been made as renders them 
unable either to trust or act with the cheerful- 
ness, resignation and delight of him whose 
affections are fully bestowed upon its object. 
Their love for God is imperfect; that is to say, 
they do not love Him with all the power they 
possess, and which would, if exercised, dispel 
their doubts and fears, besides wonderfully 
increasing their zeal. They still unwisely relate 
themselves to God as though He were merely 
their King, while they should regard Him as 
their Father: thus the union necessary to the 
eradication of doubt and servile fear is prevented. 
Though they have become the children of God, 
and should be enjoying all the privileges 
extended by the Father who saith "all things 
are yours/' the position assumed and the service 
rendered are still too much like those of the 
servant who does not claim the right to the 
inheritance of his master's richest treasures. 



182 WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 

Their conduct toward God would indicate the 
fear that they were presuming too much in 
actually claiming the privileges of children. In 
an unbeliever, such a condition of things might 
naturally be expected; but since Christ has been 
accepted through faith, there should be no 
barrier between the soul and God. 

Yet that this is often the case, Christians are 
painfully conscious, and the result is a degree 
of slavishness which characterizes the service 
that ought to be rendered as the expression of 
unlimited confidence and outgushing affection. 
Under these conditions it is not possible to 
bestow such service as that which is prompted 
by the filial love of the child for the parent. 
No one can relate himself to an object which 
has but partially awakened his affections as he 
can to one which so monopolizes his thought, 
nerves his arm and inspires his being, that labor 
for it becomes a pleasure, sacrifice a delight. 
He may, indeed, work and sacrifice for other 
objects with a degree of enthusiasm, but after a 
while weariness will come, in spite of him. He 
will sacrifice to a certain limit; beyond that, 
the duty becomes burdensome and weariness 
begins. Further efforts are not pleasurable; 



WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 183 

they are irksome. It is not so where the 
affections are fully engaged. Nothing is said 
of weariness or monotony then. Indeed, 
burdens lose their weight to such affection, and 
are willingly, cheerfully, lovingly borne; and 
the heavier the burdens, the greater is the 
eagerness to relieve. And if our surrender to 
God has been complete, and we love Him with 
the undivided affection His love to us deserves, 
and His word commands, the service we render 
will be one of pleasure, not weariness. Now 
let us offer the test; — there are burdens to be 
borne for Christ, victories to be won, sacrifices 
to be made, labors to be performed. He calls 
to you; He says, "Take up the cross, deny 
yourself, forsake all, be faithful unto death. 
Do these things for My sake. Do them, not 
because you live in dread of Me, but because 
you love Me; # because My Father has made you 
His children, and I am your Brother. We 
desire to save you fully, to develop in you the 
noblest character possible; and this service is 
necessary: therefore, do these things for My 
sake!" What response does He hear from you? 
Is there complaint of weariness? Is there im- 
* Jno. xiv., 15, 23. 



1 84 WHY SHADOWS TROUBLE US. 

patience, doubt, fear, uneasiness and desire for 
a service less troublesome, with liberty to act 
more as inclination prompts? Then know that 
you do not love God as you should. If you 
did, your glad heart would bound forth with 
eagerness to embrace whatever God's love 
demands. And here rests the great secret of 
unfaithfulness. It lies in the fact that though 
Christians have been convinced through the 
Gospel that God has a claim upon their un- 
divided love, and the best service they can 
render (which always will be given when this 
affection is bestowed), such an offering has not 
been made. 



THE REMEDY. 185 



CHAPTER XL 

THE REMEDY. 

This meager return for God's matchless love 
and sacrifice, this return which displays such 
inconsistencies as we have named, and which 
are known to afflict believers everywhere, being 
the cause of their unfaithfulness, the remedy 
naturally suggested is, that since they cannot 
doubt God's worthiness of their entire con- 
fidence and the richest offering they are able 
to bestow, they now dedicate all to God. 
It is that this defective love be replaced by a 
love so deep and strong and changeless that the 
very thought of disobedience in any form will 
give pain, and keep the Christian so constantly 
on guard that the approach of sin will be met 
with uncompromising promptness. The surest 
way to become watchful is to become loving. 
He guards most zealously his heart who loves 
the most. Now let the heart be filled with 
love to God, and the mystery will vanish, and 
with it all inconsistency. 



1 86 THE REMEDY. 

This, dear reader, is the secret of happi- 
ness, rest, peace, victory, faithfulness, fearless- 
ness and every good that a Christian ought to 
have: — to love God with a perfect lieari. In 
coming to Christ at first there was conscien- 
tiousness, but since that time unpleasant 
developments have appeared, to the Christian's 
great sorrow. He is now aware that he did 
not fully know his own heart, nor suppose that 
anything further was necessary. He looked 
upon conversion as though it were a sort of 
insurance policy which was to cover the pres- 
ent and future so completely that little re- 
mained but for him to congratulate himself on 
his good fortune in becoming a child of God. 
But to-day he is undeceived; he discovers, to 
his dismay, that there still are disturbing ele- 
ments. 

He exercised faith in God before, in believ- 
ing God's manifested love through Jesus Christ; 
but simply the gift of pardon proved insuffi- 
cient to satisfy permanently, either the boun- 
tiful Giver or the recipient; and while the latter 
wonders at the unfaithfulness which still afflicts 
him, the Holy Spirit confirms the convictions 
of his conscience and the instruction of his 



THE REMEDY. 187 

opened Bible, by bringing another message of 
God's love, whispering that he needs a clean 
heart. 

And now that the facts are revealed as they 
exist, that he is apprised of the incompleteness 
of his love, and that God's demand is an un- 
reserved abandonment to Him, nothing less 
than an affection which extends to the utmost 
limit of his being, influencing each word and 
act, prompting the most careful vigilance, and 
stimulating to deeds of kindness and self- 
sacrifice, can either satisfy his conscience or 
secure such special favor at the hand of God 
as he now craves. And this is reasonable; 
nor should he aspire to anything short of this. 
God has given the best in His possession, why 
should not man do likewise? 

To say that it is impracticable would not be 
right, for this is the declared will of God, and 
God has made it possible, through Christ, for 
us to love Him supremely, in return for His love 
toward us. The law is not destroyed but ful- 
filled in love. "Love is the fulfilling of the 
law."* "In Jesus Christ neither circumcision 
availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but 
*Koni. xiii., 10. 



1 88 THE REMEDY. 

faith which worketh by love."* "We love 
Him, because He first loved us.''f 

This theme of simple, yet perfect love to 
God has been abused until a cloud of mystery 
overshadows it which hinders honest enquirers 
from obtaining a clear view of it. Many regard 
the thought of loving God with perfect hearts 
as impracticable, while at the same time they 
do not. find it difficult to bestow such love upon 
less worthy objects. Would an individual of 
character knowingly consent to embark for the 
stormy voyage of life with one whose affection 
was divided? Never! Nor could any man 
have the audacity to make a request in which 
so much is involved if he were the man he 
ought to be. If honor and mutual happiness 
are to enter as considerations, there must be a 
willingness to lay everything at this sacred 
shrine. No mentionable sacrifice must be 
great enough to produce a wavering mind. No 
misfortune so dark that affection's light cannot 
penetrate its shadow. No trial so grievous but 
mutual participation lessens its intensity, and 
no allurement from the evil world must be 
powerful enough to tempt to unfaithfulness 
* Gal. v., 6. t 1 Jno. iv., 19. 



THE REMEDY. 189 

those whose honor has been so solemnly 
plighted. All this is expected, nay demanded 
at the altar of human love. Shall God have 
less than this? It were wronging Him to offer 
less! He deserves, expects, desires and 
demands all; and no Christian may comfort 
himself in the thought of duty well performed 
while any reserve remains. God's command is, 
"Set your affection on things above, not on 
things on the earth."* He says, "Give me 
thine heart, "t not merely a portion of it, but 
all; and that means give God your love and 
service; for. in the heart these things find 
birth. Whatever of good is known to adorn 
the character, comes as the expression of good 
within; "A good man out of the good treasure 
of the heart bringeth forth good things:" and 
the best way to bring forth such fruit in life i-s 
to have the heart filled with God; so that evil 
can find no dwelling-place there. 

And this is why God desires our hearts. 
He would take them and fill them with Himself, 
that we may abide in Him as the branch abideth 
in the vine, and partake of his nature. But 
God cannot do this while any reserve is made. 
* Col. iii., 2. t Prov. xxiii., 26. 



190 THE REMEDY. 

Nor should we be prevailed upon to make it. 
If we are to love God at all, why not as well 
love Him with the whole heart as only in small 
measure? Why not rather render the service 
of our entire being than the weakly efforts 
w T hich little more than deserve the name? 

If the Bible is to be our guide we shall find 
that the demand upon us is great. The words 
to the son of David were, "And thou, Solomon 
my son, know thou the God of thy father, and 
serve Him with a perfect heart and with a 
willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, 
and understandeth all the imaginations of the 
thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found 
of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast 
thee off forever."* And these words have lost 
no force by the lapse of ages, but are expressive 
of God's will concerning us to-day. 

God cannot be satisfied with less love 
toward Him than is entertained by us for our 
nearest earthly kindred. "He that loveth 
father or mother more than Me is not worthy 
of Me; and he that loveth son or daughter more 
than Me is not worthy of Me. "t God's 
requirement, after manifesting His love to us, 
* 1 Chron. xxviii., 9. t Matt, x., 37. 



THE REMEDY. 191 

is, that we be " rooted and grounded in love, ,,# 
"that we should be holy and without blame 
before Him in love;"t and to those who mark 
His desire and render obedience, are extended 
the most blessed promises; for Christ saith, 
"He that loveth Me shall be loved by My 
Father, and I will love him, and will manifest 
Myself to him. " Then He adds, "If any man 
love Me, he will keep My words: and My 
Father will love him, and We will come unto 
him, and make Our abode with him."f Bless- 
ed words! Who can resist them? and who 
that has known anything of God's love can 
consent to hold himself in reserve when the 
Gospel teems with exhortations to loving obe- 
dience? God desires only our good. Sin is 
the enemy that is endeavoring to destroy His 
children; but God is determined upon their 
salvation if they will simply permit it, and He 
leaves np means unemployed of promoting this 
end. And can we, in consideration of His love 
toward us, offer returns so small that we will 
be content to yield feebly to such temptations 
as are presented day by day, when greater love 
to Him would engender in us such contempt 
* Eph. iii., 17. \ Eph. i., 4. % Jno. xiv., 21, 23. 



1 92 THE REMEDY. 

for whatever displeases Him that we would 
spurn its very approach? Such service is 
unworthy those who are called the sons and 
daughters of the Lord Almighty, and furnishes 
poor illustration of the liberty that Christians 
fondly profess. It is very unlike the spirit of the 
Apostle's exhortation, "Stand fast, therefore, 
in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us 
free, and be not entangled again with the yoke 
of bondage. ,,# 

Captivity is grievous under all conditions, 
but doubly distressing when its subjects have 
known the delights of freedom and have fallen 
victims to a malicious foe. When I behold a 
golden-winged songster confined within the 
wiry cage, one that has never known the privi- 
lege of freedom unrestrained, and compare its 
condition with that of the ten thousand happy 
warblers who fill the air with praise and human 
hearts with joy, I pity the unfortunate bird 
and am almost disposed to set it free. Still, it 
has always been a captive; and having known 
no other life may resign itself to the inevi- 
table. 



* Gal. v., 1. 



THE REMEDY. 193 

But when I look upon one that has revelled 
amid the delights of nature at its own free will, 
having never known restraint, now cruelly 
imprisoned within the gloomy wires, when I 
listen to the plaintive cry for liberty which 
forms its only substitute for the heart-thrilling 
melody once disclosed — this touches a chord of 
deeper sympathy, and my heart aches for the 
captive bird. 

And when I behold a human soul who has 
always been a stranger to the liberty of God's 
sufficient grace, having never known the joys 
of life renewed, of course I desire to labor for 
his salvation and lead him, if possible, to the 
fountain of living water where he may drink, 
never again to thirst. But when I see one who 
has been born into the Kingdom, has known 
something of the Christian's liberty, and who 
should have continued to develop, knowing 
more each day and becoming stronger and 
better by the patient resistance'of evil, again 
led in chains, and when I see him positively 
yielding to temptation, my sorrow is stirred for 
that soul, and I am desirous of enlisting all the 
energy at my command in an effort to unlock 
his fetters, loosen his chains, and show him 



1 94 THE REMEDY. 

that such weakness is not a necessity, but that 
God's design in making His children free is that 
they remain so. 

Dear Christian, in view of your conscious 
needs, the demands of the church, society, 
friends, family and your own heart upon you, 
in view of your privilege as a child of God, and 
the claims of your Heavenly Father, let me 
ask, "Will you longer submit to bondage when 
liberty may be yours?" You were conscien- 
tious in seeking favor with God, can you hence- 
forth remain so without submitting yourself 
to Him in all things, that His own perfect 
designs may be fully accomplished in you? 
Can you still be content to offer unto God only 
the small degree of love which you now hold 
for Him in return for all His benefits toward 
you? Will you not rather satisfy conscience, 
obey God's command, encourage His friends 
and defeat His foes by yielding unto God a bet- 
ter offering? • 

Are you not well assured that this demand 
upon you is reasonable, and that it will be wrong 
for you to refuse? What conclusion then can we 
form but this: that you will and do consent? 
This is our only conclusion, for you could not 



THE REMEDY. 195 

be persuaded knowingly to do wrong, and we 
shall join you in praise to God that a soul has 
come forth from beneath the shadows, ever- 
more to walk in the light of a perfect love to 
God. 

Now, such a decision cannot be made with- 
out involving a principle of resignation to God 
which will so acknowledge the wisdom, reason- 
ableness and justice of His requirements, that 
all shall be accepted without questionings or 
misgivings; and you are to regard it your chief 
concern to do or suffer whatever is revealed to 
be the will of God. Henceforth God is to 
have His own way in you, and you must so 
recognize His way to be right, that you will 
desire no other yourself; so that your way shall 
be His way, and both shall blend in perfect 
harmony. 

Your first impulse will be to demonstrate in 
some way the sincerity of your heart, and you 
will ask, "How shall I give proof to God that I 
am determined to love Him with all my power?" 
And the answer will manifest itself in everything 
touching your relations to him. First, it will 
be characterized by the belief that God can save 
you from all unrighteousness, inasmuch as it is 



196 THE REMEDY. 

written, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful 
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse 
us from all unrighteousness. " # If this be 
doubted, if the fear is entertained that perhaps 
it cannot be, it certainly shall not be, for that 
very fear is evidence of limited confidence in 
God, for we also read in the Word, "There is no 
fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear, "t 
Rut no one is likely to be seen seeking that which 
he apprehends cannot be found. That man is 
mad who gropes about in a blind search after 
what he believes does not exwst; but he whose 
confidence in God is perfect, will not doubt His 
power to save him to the uttermost, for God 
has clearly declared His ability to do so, 

Your resolution to love God with your 
whole heart will be characterized further by a 
fixed purpose to forsake sin of every descrip- 
tion. Christians often make this determination, 
but associate with it the fear that possibly they 
may retain some secret sin without designing 
to do so. Says one; "None would be more 
happy to do this than myself, but many sins 
are so deeply seated, some habits have taken 
hold upon me with such an inveterate grasp, that 
* Uno. i., 9. f 1 Jn0 - iy -> 18 - 



THE REMEDY. 197 

it seems as though no power at my command is 
sufficient to ensure a complete relinquishment 
of them; for I have tried again and again, yet 
am frequently overcome, notwithstanding." 
But they who exercise that unlimited confidence 
in God which it is the privilege of all to main- 
tain, believe that whatever power is lacking in 
themselves will be furnished by their reasonable 
Father, who never demands what cannot be 
fulfilled; that should their most faithful effort to 
overcome be menaced by an evil power which 
is mightier than the power they possess, God 
will come to their assistance at that very hour, 
and their determined effort, coupled with divine 
help, will enable them to fulfill the command with 
promise, "Come out from among them, and be 
ye separate, .... and touch not the unclean 
thing; and I will receive you, and will be a 
Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and 
daughters."* Encouraged by such cheering 
words, with confidence stronger than ever, 
they demand, as they face the temptation, 
"Is Satan mightier than God, that we must be 
compelled to do this against God's direct com- 
mand? Are his angels more numerous than 
* 2 Cor. vi., 17, 18. 



198 THE REMEDY. 

are the spirits sent forth to minister unto them 
who shall be heirs of salvation? 'Get thee 
hence, Satan!' " and looking to God they find 
relief, and prove the verity of the Word, 
"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 
Let Christians thus antagonize themselves 
to sin at every turn, with the resolve that they 
will abhor it as the poison of an asp; let them 
bear in mind that God forbids them to commit 
it, and make it the great business of their lives 
to obey, whether they accomplish anything 
else or not, and in the hour of extremity call 
upon the Almighty for assistance; they will do 
marvelous things of which they had never 
dreamed. 

With the resolve to forsake sin, this deter- 
mination thus to love God will further mani- 
fest itself in an intelligent consecration to Him 
of heart, mind and body, with all pertaining 
thereto. It will be such complete abandon- 
ment as acknowledges God's right to all the 
service they are capable of rendering ; and 
whatever is said, thought or achieved is to be 
done as unto God and not unto themselves. 
They are to be recognized as being no longer 
their own, but God's, and, accordingly, their 



THE REMEDY. 199 

aim must be to glorify Him in their bodies and 
in their spirits, which are God's. Then, too, 
they realize their powerle§sness to keep them- 
selves from evil ; former experiences in the 
attempt to do so promise nothing but defeat if 
repeated, and instead of venturing this, all is 
committed to a higher power ; while diligence 
is given to live so as to accomplish all the good 
possible. Their abilities, whether great or 
small, are henceforth to be employed in a con- 
tinuous effort to advance the interests of 
Christ's kingdom, and bring glory to His name; 
discountenancing the idea that because we can- 
not be generals, therefore we must be of no 
account on the battle-field, that for the reason 
we are unable to do the work of mighty men, 
we are justified in neglecting our humbler 
duties. God can use anybody ; and will 
accomplish good with the feeblest instrument 
if it be so committed to His wise direction as 
not to chafe against His providence, but cheer- 
fully execute His bidding. People frequently 
waste years of time and opportunity in casting 
listlessly about in the vain endeavor to find 
their places in the world. Discontented with 
one thing, they try something else for a while, 



200 THE REMEDY. 

only to meet with similar failure : thus they 
flit from one thing to another until life is past 
and nothing of value is accomplished. The 
surest remedy for this is an intelligent and 
deliberate abandonment to God of all these 
powers. He will use them. Something will 
develop, for God created these energies for 
activity, not inaction ; and He has a work for 
every one to do. Now if they are honestly 
committed to Him in consecration, how natu- 
rally will they fall into the right sphere of use- 
fulness. And what joy will attend the assur- 
ance that they are working for God, perform- 
ing just that labor which He desires at their 
hands. Without the uneasiness that is expe- 
rienced by those who feel themselves out of 
place in the world, they cheerfully respond to 
duty's call, even though they be as he who 
"goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious 
seed," assured that they shall doubtless come 
again with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with 
them. 

Reputation also will be placed in the keep- 
ing of Him who is to take the best possible 
care of it ; permitting humiliation if that be 
the most wholesome for the soul, or exalta- 



THE REMEDY. 201 

tion if the Father sees that no evil shall result 
therefrom. In either case the promise stands, 
"No good thing will He withhold from them that 
walk uprightly ;" so that if humiliation comes, 
it comes only as a blessing, in the midst of which 
thanksgiving will be offered, and grace im- 
plored for victory in the ordeal which, perhaps, 
will not be gratifying to the flesh. Naturally 
we shrink from things of this kind, especially if 
unconscious of any good reason for such try- 
ing visitations ; but knowing that God never 
makes mistakes, time will not be wasted by 
demanding, "Why must I suffer thus after doing 
all within my power to please God?" but the 
undismayed follower will rather exclaim, "I 
need this, or God would not have permitted it, 
for He loves me, and I shall accept my posi- 
tion with gratitude; for He will not permit me 
to suffer longer than is necessary to work out 
my greatest good. " And what relief will come, 
through such a disposition, to those who for 
years have been slaves to public opinion, or 
otherwise harassed on account of conditions 
which seemed inevitable, and in which they 
were galled as by a yoke of iron! The very 
awkwardness of their position will furnish 



202 THE REMEDY. 

opportunity for still further test of God's 
sufficient grace than would have been given 
with every condition so favorable that no 
special help seemed necessary. And on 
the other hand, if it pleases God to bestow 
such favor as naturally enkindles feelings of 
exaltation, with that spirit which acknowl- 
edges Him to be the giver of every good 
thing, no boastfulness will rob the blessing of 
its sweetness, but all will be attributed to the 
source from whence it came. 

Material substance, also, forms an item in 
the catalogue of consecrated gifts, and is 
henceforth to be employed, more than ever, if 
possible, in the furtherance of God's cause. 
The time has forever passed when optional dona- 
tions for the promotion of Christianity pacify 
the conscience, but they are now and for the 
future to be made from principle. Penurious- 
ness will not be tolerated in him who loves 
God with all his heart; but if the danger 
of unfaithfulness formerly lay in this direction, 
it will be the very point demanding most 
unfailing vigilance; and what was once an irk- 
some duty will be performed with cheerful- 
ness. 



THE REMEDY. 203 

And habits of life, a theme once so distaste- 
ful, banished whenever presented, but on 
account of which conscience inflicted many a 
lash, even when all other rebukes were disre- 
garded, will now find a place within his thought 
and daily attention never known before. Many 
Christians refuse to observe the test when it is 
so applicable as to interfere with long-estab- 
lished practices, some of which are so obnox- 
ious that their brethren instinctively recoil, 
even while sacred subjects are the themes of 
converse. But so near do such practices 
approach the " appearance of evil" from which 
God cautions His beloved to "abstain," that in 
forsaking sin these things are surrendered with 
it, and when the consecration of all is made, 
they can be conscientious in the belief that they 
have presented their bodies "a living sacrifice, 
holy, acceptable unto God," which is their 
"reasonable service." 

Finally, with this assurance that God is able 
to accomplish the great work, the determina- 
tion to do your part in forsaking every known 
sin, and the consecration of all to Him for time 
and eternity, your resolve to love God with 
your whole heart will further manifest itself in 



2o 4 THE REMEDY. 

that faith which tolerates no doubt that God 
accepts the consecration when it is made, fulfills 
His promise, and makes you all His own. If 
this acceptation is questioned, your consecra- 
tion will be valueless. 

Neither your determination to forsake sin, 
your consecration of all to God, nor anything 
else that you are able to do, can possibly de- 
liver you; and in taking these steps you simply 
place yourself where this deliverance becomes 
a possibility; but after all, it is God who is to 
accomplish the work, and that, too, on the 
condition of your absolutely trusting Him to 
do it. 

This desired blessing is to be received 
through faith, as was that of pardon. Let this 
be distinctly understood. And this faith will 
be genuine; something more than a mere "say- 
so." It is easy to say "Lord I believe," but 
this avails little unless such is actually the case, 
as thousands needlessly prove to their sorrow. 
Yet if we have no more faith in God than to 
suppose that He is going to regard us with 
indifference, after we have exerted ourselves to 
the utmost limit of our capability, we need 
expect little at His hands. To do so would be 



THE REMEDY. 205 

absurd; nay, it would be cruel. We have His 
word, and that is sufficient, even in the absence 
of all desirable feeling on the subject. A little 
sight and a little feeling are good things, and 
we shall hope for and expect them, but we shall 
not permit our faith to waver if they fail to 
appear; if God, for some wise reason, denies 
them for the time, we shall demonstrate the 
genuineness of our faith by holding fast to the 
Word, whatever be the condition of our feel- 
ings. There need be no uneasiness, for God 
will do right whether we understand Him or 
not; and if our love is simple, and we walk by 
faith and not by sight, salvation, with a deeper 
significance than we have ever known, shall be 
given in all its fullness. Our daily walk will be 
more consistent, our self-mastery more perfect, 
our comfort deeper, our fruit for the glory of 
God more abundant than ever in the past; and 
we shall be convinced that there is more in the 
religion of the Bible than the most extravagant 
conceptions of it our hopes had ever woven. 
And the surest way to keep from losing what 
has already been given of God's grace, is to 
press onward to this deeper experience in the 
life of faith. 



2o6 WALKING WITH GOD. 



CHAPTER XII 



WALKING WITH GOD. 

No truer words were ever penned than 
these: "Where your treasure is, there will your 
heart be also;" and the whole life will display 
indications which plainly declare the charac- 
ter of the heart's treasure, whether it be worthy 
or unworthy. 

Perhaps wealth is the shrine before which 
all a man's powers bow; and so captivated by 
the thought of possessing it is the helpless 
devotee, that time is not long enough and 
strength is too small to permit such exertion as 
will enable him to keep pace with his desire for 
it. That man's very countenance ere long 
betrays him, and tells to a world that he loves 
money; for avarice is stamped indelibly upon 
his features in characters which cannot be mis- 
taken. Wherever he may go, the absorbing 
thought is present. While others delight in 
the beauties revealed by the natural world in 
earth, sky and sea, with measured step, brow 



WALKING WITH GOD. 207 

knit with care, and lips set in determination, 
he pursues his way as though but one goal 
should be sought by mortals, and that is money. 
He thinks of it continually, seeks it every- 
where, labors for it with tireless zest. His 
conversation displays a natural fondness for 
the subject, and he is never so much at ease as 
when discussing plans and means for its acquire- 
ment. 

Or possibly this object is a friend who, 
through a kind Providence, was given long 
ago in the springtime of life. What cherished 
memories of the intervening years, which now 
seem as but a dream of yesterday, flash before 
the mind. Memories of mutual burdens 
borne without a murmur, of sorrows shared, of 
bereavements which but served to weld more 
firmly the bonds that made them one, of happy 
days, also, which had been filled with sadness 
to the one, but for the presence of the other, 
who, alone, in this wide world, held the power 
to furnish the satisfaction craved. How beau- 
tiful the lives of those whose evening is crowned 
with the golden halo of an ever- widening love! 
And what characteristics appear more promi- 
nent in these whose feet are nearing the brink 



2o8 WALKING WITH GOD. 

of the narrow stream which prevents them 
from bounding out into the fields of everlasting 
love? They are largely those which are seen 
and displayed in the other. In either case, 
much that was worthy of example could be 
noticed; and the one, observing this in the 
other, was drawn out, imperceptibly, it maybe, 
but no less certainly, to do likewise; and the 
result is, they have grown to be alike. 

Now, if the affections of believers are placed 
upon Christ, a similar result will follow, in 
their lives. They shall become, oh, blessed 
thought, like Christ, their divine Master. He 
cannot come to be like them, for He is perfect; 
but they shall be transformed into His lovely 
likeness. That mind shall be in them " which 
was also in Christ Jesus;" and they will mani- 
fest it by a consistent walk and conversation. 
Their lives will speak with greater effect than 
their tongues, for these may often be restrained 
through slowness of speech or other physical 
defect. But they shall be living epistles, 
"known and read of all men. " Was Christ char- 
itable ? forgiving those who sought His favor, 
and even praying for his enemies ? His be- 
loved will not be slow in perceiving the crown- 



WALKING WITH GOD. 209 

■ ■ 

ing grace, but learn to exercise the same 
toward those who are unkind to them. They 
will forgive them, and that, too, with the spirit 
which seeks to forget and bury out of sight 
what can only engender unpleasant feelings, if 
cherished in the heart. 

They will not be fond of exposing to the 
world the shadowy side of men's characters, 
but while faithful in the attempt to effect a. 
remedy, if that be possible, by such loyalty as 
discountenances sin whether it appears in 
friends or foes, they will use all diligence to pro- 
mote their comfort as they, in common with 
others, wage the battle of life, in which so 
many discouraging elements appear, even to 
those who are accounted among the fortu- 
nate. There will be no secret pleasure taken in 
displaying the faults of others when no further 
end can be served thereby than the gratifica- 
tion of natural fondness for talk. Charity will 
demand deeper regard for the feeling and wel- 
fare of other people, and be quick to appre- 
hend that whatever delight might possibly be 
derived from such imprudence, would in this 
way be taken at too great a cost to both con- 
cerned; and the tongue, that " unruly evil, full 



2io WALKING WITH GOD. 

of deadly poison " (when left unmastered), will 
be bridled so that others, whether disposed to 
extend their sympathies or not, shall dwell in 
safety by them. They will be kind; not harsh, 
severe, cruel or envious. And when acquaint- 
ances prosper, and show such ability as is re- 
garded with respect by the ingenuous and gen- 
erous, the charitable will not be found hedging 
up their way by unmanly designs and cowardly 
plots, nor even limiting their prosperity by 
silence, when a word might materially extend 
it, but will bid them Godspeed, and seek to 
promote their success. There will be no small- 
ness allowed, for the moment its tendency ap- 
pears it will be arrested as an enemy to the 
soul, and banished. Envy and the spirit of 
Christ cannot abide in the same heart; and 
since the Master is henceforth to have His own 
way, and dwell in His children, and they in 
Him, all disturbing elements must be driven 
and barred forever from the heart. 

When good is actually accomplished, also, 
no trumpet shall invite the world to come and 
see how great things they have done! but they 
will be quiet, and leave the leaven to work. 
There are those who could feel no condemna- 



WALKING WITH GOD. 211 

tion upon this point; but let the guilty observe, 
consider, then "go and sin no more." Why 
should we one day clear the garden-bed of 
weeds, only to scatter evil seed the next? Why 
wish to be seen of men "as the hypocrites" do, 
and only receive the hypocrite's reward? The 
world is watching, and can usually discern 
the spirit in which a deed of kindness is per- 
formed; and if self-praise is invited, they pos- 
sibly may respect our wishes and bestow the 
favor, but will turn with contempt from the 
beggarly motive, and conclude that if this is 
religion they will do without it. Such a spirit 
cannot live in the soul of him who walks with 
God and loves Him with his whole heart. The 
Word, with its commands, is too sacred unto 
him for that, and he remembers the injunction, 
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before 
men, to be seen of them; otherwise ye have 
no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not 
sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypo- 
crites do in the synagogues and in the streets, 
that they may have glory of men. Verily, I 
say unto you, they have their reward. But 
when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand 



2i2 WALKING WITH GOD. 

know what thy right hand doeth; that thine 
alms may be in secret; and thy Father which 
seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee 
openly."* 

The spirit of boastfulness, often standing 
out so prominently among those whose sacred 
labors should be constrained alone by the 
love of Christ, is no small source of pain to 
all devoted followers, and should be guarded 
against with tireless vigilance, for it is opposed 
to the mind which was in Christ. Charity 
"seeketh not her own." 

Grievances and perplexities also furnish fur- 
ther opportunity for the practical working of the 
spirit now so happily abiding in the child of 
God. If these did not exist to test the mettle 
of the Christian, how easily might he pass 
through a lifetime of unruffled serenity, and 
congratulate himself at its close for his stead- 
fastness and unwavering fidelity, in happy 
ignorance of dispositions which only lacked 
opportunity to give him untold mortification 
and sorrow! But they do exist, as thousands 
who have been routed by them are well pre- 
pared to testify; and after years of service they 
♦Matt. vi. 1-4. 



WALKING WITH GOD. 213 

still are frequently overcome by trifles such as 
should possess no power to move believers of 
long experience; and they exclaim in disap- 
pointment, "Is it possible that after such ex- 
tended training in the school of Christ, I am no 
further advanced than to yield to provocations 
like these, which at this late day should be 
unable to move me?" More of the Master's 
spirit is necess'ary, for they are not strong 
enough to overcome their tendencies to impa- 
tience, which can only be subdued by charity 
that "suffereth long." But let no one murmur 
because of perplexities, for they cannot injure 
those who are living as they ought. Though 
so many are worsted by them, it should not 
be so. God's grace is sufficient for the most 
aggravating annoyances, which, when mastered 
in the spirit of sweetness, but increase the 
Christian's vigor, and furnish discipline for 
times of emergency yet to come. 

Many seem to require special treatment and 
care in order to maintain even a reasonable 
degree of spiritual life; and if just such condi- 
tions are not provided, they begin to droop and 
lose courage. Others will thrive anywhere — 
you cannot discourage them, you cannot read- 



2i 4 WALKING WITH GOD. 

ily offend them; but under the most unfavor- 
able circumstances they grow stronger and bet- 
ter, convincing all who behold that the grace 
of God is not dependent upon surroundings, 
but will flourish wherever the soul permits it. 
The growth of these two classes of Christians 
suggests to my mind that of two plants under 
the conditions I shall name. The first is deli- 
cate and colorless, of which the tenderest care 
must be taken, as it grows rank and brittle 
while enveloped in the warm temperature of 
the cellar. It must be handled carefully, it 
must be patiently tended; the frost must not 
reach it or it will die; the sun must not scorch 
it or it will wither; yet after all this care what 
does it amount to? The other plant is the 
hardy vine which entwines itself about veranda, 
arch, and terrace, regardless of the chilly blasts 
of opening Spring. Cut it down, and it will 
grow again; give it the most meagre chance, 
and it will develop, clothing the home with 
beauty and gladdening the hearts of all who 
behold. One would think that it gloried in 
the efforts of unkind hands to tear it down, 
when its determination to spring up again, not- 
withstanding them, is considered. If condi- 



WALKING WITH GOD. 215 

tions are favorable it will grow; if otherwise, it 
will grow anyway. 

Thus it is with Christians. Some have but 
little heart-knowledge of religion, though years 
of experience should have thoroughly estab- 
lished them; and they must be coaxed, petted, 
nursed, and handled cautiously lest they take in- 
jury, or, possibly, lose their religion altogether. 
They are morbidly sensitive, easily offended, 
quick to observe and take to heart slights, 
which, perhaps, were unintentionally given. 
A breath of enthusiasm is too much for them, 
and great care must be taken to keep them 
alive at all. Different far is the experience of 
him who has thrown his whole being into this 
theme of practical Christianity; who depends 
not on the preacher but on the preacher's God; 
not on the church but upon Him without whom 
the church would be a solemn mockery. This 
man will grow anywhere and under any circum- 
stances. If his lot is cast among a harmonious 
people where there is sufficient spiritual power 
to help the weakly ones ov^r their grievances, 
that they wander not altogether astray, notwith- 
standing the "crooked paths" of which they 
speak so gloomily, he will be seen bearing the 



216 WALKING WITH GOD. 

heaviest burdens, striking the most telling blows 
for truth, laboring incessantly for the God and 
the cause he loves. But if, on the contrary, relig- 
ion is at the lowest ebb, if laborers are few, and 
"Zion languishes," he will not be found slum- 
bering with the idle ones, but will hope on, 
pray on, toil on; and if no one else feels called 
upon to awaken a religious sentiment, he will 
do it. If opposed, insulted, abused, he will 
not yield his principle for an hour's retaliation 
but will answer sweetly, for he has the mind of 
Christ, and has learned to be "patient in tribu- 
lation;" for charity "endureth all things;" and 
a power will attend his labors which is the most 
convincing argument in favo-r of the position 
he occupies. It comes directly from Christ, for 
it is a characteristic of Himself. How mightily 
did He stir this world! By a word the dead 
were raised, blind eyes were opened, the sick 
healed, the hungry fed, and other miracles too 
numerous here to name were performed. And 
His beloved, living in constant communion with 
the Master, and thereby gathering strength for 
Christian duty, also becomes a power for good 
in his generation. Not, perhaps, in perform- 
ing such miracles as restoring the sight or 



WALKING WITH GOD. 217 

raising the dead, but what saith Christ? 
"Greater works than these shall ye do; because 
I go unto my Father. " If eyes blinded but for 
a few years are not made to see, darkened souls 
are led to everlasting light. Although bodies 
now returning unto dust to await the call they 
cannot disobey when the graves " shall yield 
up their dead" are not now quickened into 
life, immortal souls "dead in trespasses and 
sins" are brought to Him who saith, "He 
that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet 
shall he live. " And who would not prefer to 
lead a deathless spirit to the life that is to bloom 
forever, free from the sorrows of earth, than to 
restore from the dead a corruptible body to 
endure again such suffering as brought it to the 
tomb? And this is the power given unto them 
who walk w^ith God. They have the baptism 
of the Holy Spirit, and sinners are irresistibly 
drawn to listen to the words they speak, and, 
pierced with conviction, enquire, "Men and 
brethren, what shall we do?" 

As the disciples, before the day of Pente- 
cost, helpless, timid and doubtful, forsaking 
the Master and otherwise grieving Him, were, 
after that, a dauntless band ready to confess 



218 WALKING WITH GOD. 

Him anywhere, and count even death for Him 
a pleasure, so they who to-day enter into pos- 
session of the same power, though once weaker 
than a bruised reed, will become so mighty for 
truth and God that men shall be convinced, and 
acknowledge the grace they are unable to 
understand. And this is the great need of the 
age — the baptism of power from above, which 
constrains men to enlist their all for Christ, 
to press to the fore-ranks, and by which they 
will not, can not remain content without wit- 
nessing the accomplishment of aggressive work 
for Him; to have talents, education and judg- 
ment consecrated to God with no reserve. 
What reformations would we see if Christians 
would "put on the whole armor of God," and 
if the power now in existence were employed 
in the proper direction? Oppression and every 
evil work would receive stunning rebuke, and 
this world would be taken for Christ in less 
time than we now imagine. 

Now, while he who has thus received the 
baptism of the Holy Spirit would rejoice to see 
all Christians thus employed, he wastes no time 
in grumbling because they are not, but lives 
and labors with the determination that he 



WALKING WITH GOD. 219 

shall be, knowing that ''to his own Master 
he standeth or falleth;" and the fact that 
others are negligent but acts as an incitement 
to more faithful diligence. He is not easily 
disheartened, for he has learned that dis- 
couragement is the slough in which thousands 
have been mired, to escape only with their 
lives; and while he is out of it he proposes to 
keep out, being "not ignorant'' of Satan's 
devices. 

What can any man do while discouragement 
unnerves his arm and withers his heart? and 
what right has any Christian to be discouraged? 
He has God, he has eternal life, the promise of 
what will be best for him here, the assurance 
that God will "never leave him," that He loves 
him, that "all things" necessary "shall be 
added" unto him, and that when he is through 
with earth, God will take him home to dwell 
with Him forever. Is not this enough? Would 
it be right for him to rummage over the bless- 
ings heaped so high on every side that he can 
neither count nor handle them, and having 
found some little thing that pains him, bring it 
to the front, place it by itself, then walk about 
it, gaze upon it until he fancies that it out- 



220 WALKING WITH GOD. 

weighs all the favors he ever received, that it 
will one day crush him, and that there is no use 
trying any longer, but he must give up? Such 
conduct would be a reflection upon God, an 
indication of limited faith, and a love far too 
faint for one who has received so many favors 
at His hands. The better way, and the way 
adopted by him who is wholly God's own, is to 
ponder the joys that come to bless his life, and 
when convinced that they more than balance 
the seeming ills, remember that these are not 
by any means all that he is to receive, but 
simply the little added blessings: — that he is 
to have heaven and God with delights which 
"eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have 
entered into the heart of man," and so he looks 
away from things that are seen to those which 
are to afford eternal pleasures. 

A pilgrim in a strange land cannot always 
so control circumstances as to command the 
comfort he might wish, but by his journeys may 
nevertheless learn many useful lessons; and the 
inconveniences suffered, the trials endured, the 
weariness and loneliness often attending him 
but add sweetness to the thought of rest at 
home when his wanderings are ended, and he 



WALKING WITH GOD. 221 

greets again the loved, ones whose absence was 
his greatest source of pain. God's children are 
but pilgrims upon earth, and should they be 
dissatisfied to fare as such? They are going 
home by and by, then they will have abundant 
time for rest; and since each step they take but 
shortens the intervening distance, what matters 
it though it be taken with more or less of 
weariness? Shall they say, "There is no use, 
we are unable to go further, we will give up the 
thought of heaven and home. because the way is 
so rough that we cannot endure the pain?" Not 
so; but with deathless hope and ever-strength- 
ening desire for the "better country" their 
resolve is to have heaven at any cost. Though 
with aching hearts, tired feet, tearful eyes and 
wearied minds they journey, let no one becloud 
their hope, for they must have heaven; they 
are going to have it, come what will; and when 
nature's enfeebled energies refuse longer to 
sustain them, by a direct pathway they are 
brought up to the pearly gates, and enter the 
city of God. What shouts of victory! What 
expressed gratitude for God's sufficient grace, 
which kept them from discouragement, shall 
then prolong the chorus, as, with the redeemed, 



222 WALKING WITH GOD. 

they sing the "new song!" Sin, trial, pain, 
embarrassment, with the jealousies, slanders 
and hatred of the scornful all left behind ! How 
much better than to run well for a season, then 
yield to discouragement, vainly seek a pleas- 
anter path, and finally enter upon eternity 
with a shadow of uncertainty to dim the spir- 
itual vision. Let no Christian be discour- 
aged, for this gives the advantage to the 
enemy. There is a bright side, always. 
Look upon it, for thus shall you strengthen 
your own purpose to succeed. Form this 
habit; for, as all others, it will grow; and 
you will be happier, your influence better, and 
your usefulness far more extended by doing so. 
But he who walks with God requires no 
exhortation here. He does look upon the 
bright side, for his heart is young and happy 
though hoary locks and trembling limbs tell 
that the journey is almost over; that a few 
more burdens borne for others, a few more 
victories won for Christ, a little more self- 
mastery, and then will come rest eternal! 
Sunshine, which almost chases away the 
wrinkles from his brow, illumines the serene 
old face, and his testimony convinces all who 



WALKING WITH GOD. 223 

listen that fadeless youth is already blossoming. 
His last days are his best. Temptations are 
now more readily overcome than formerly, for 
long-continued watchfulness, still practiced by 
the faithful one, baffles such attacks as the 
enemy, so repeatedly defeated, fails not even 
now to offer. He has learned the secret of 
victory both in temptation and in trouble; and 
though the surface of his being may show signs 
of agitation as one after another of earth's 
strongest ties are severed, in its peaceful depths 
dwells a tranquillity which remains undisturbed. 
These things do not injure him as they do the 
one whose rebellious soul demands a reason, 
refusing to be comforted, but they subdue his 
spirit, and, bowing beneath the chastening rod 
he cheerfully resigns himself to what for the 
present seems not to be joyous but grievous, to 
reap afterwards the peaceable fruits of right- 
eousness. 

Ask such a servant of God how afflictions 
affect him! He will tell you that they touch 
Christ, who shares the burden, ere they reach 
him. He will say that as Christ abides with 
him during hours of joy, He is present also in 
times of deepest pain. That he beholds Christ 



224 WALKING WITH GOD. 

in the disappointments of life, and is made 
"more than conqueror.'' He sees Him in his 
sorrows and becomes victorious; the "form of 
the fourth, like the Son of God, " moves with him 
everywhere, and dispels all fear of the fiery 
furnace, which is bereft of power to injure. 
Christ, with him, is the beginning; and the end 
is Christ. He is lifted to a spiritual altitude so 
far above the annoyances of every-day life that 
they appear of trivial import. His "conversation 
is in heaven;" and prayer becomes so natural 
and easy that much time is passed in com- 
munion with God. Acknowledging God's love 
to him, he, in return, has given all in his pos- 
session. He has confessed all wrong, forsaken 
all, and claims all that God has promised, as 
his own; his language is Jesus only; for in Him 
he ever finds a satisfying portion; and such 
glory thrills his soul that tears of joy add elo- 
quence and fervor to the words -which could 
not tell the bliss of walking with God. 

Oh, ye who languish in the way, why permit 
the golden moments of life to pass without 
drawing nearer to your God? There is a future 
radiant with glory for those who will "awake 
to righteousness" and claim for themselves the 



WALKING WITH GOD. 225 

gospel privileges of the faithful. Dwell not 
upon the failures of the past; what are they 
but the strongest reasons for more loving 
obedience in the future? Let the memory of 
them lead you to see and realize your greatest 
need, and then seek its supply, for it is pro- 
vided. You should not remain longer without 
it, nor will you if with honest hearts you come 
at once, for "God shall supply all your need 
according to His riches in glory by Christ 
esus. 



226 GRACE SUFFICIENT. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 

Time and faithful attention devoted to any 
subject will always produce results which speak 
for themselves. The apprentice who first en- 
tered the work-shop after determining to 
acquire the knowledge of a trade, but was 
confronted by numerous perplexities and ex- 
posed to the smiles of those more skilled than 
he, as he, from lack of knowledge, destroyed 
material, bruised his hands, wearied his frame, 
yet accomplished but little, soon begins to 
overcome his awkwardness, and, finally, by 
assiduous application, becomes "a workman 
that needeth not be ashamed." 

When the verdant youth presented himself 
for the first time at the college doors, he was 
even too innocent to suppose that those who 
gave him welcome with pleasant smiles and 
avowals of friendship, were capable of subject- 
ing him to the pain and discomfort of hazing. 
His movements and expressions displayed few 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 227 

marks of culture, and far more knowledge of 
rustic life than of the classics. But through the 
constant influence of refined and cultured in- 
structors and the better class of students, his 
uncouth manners, which were so mortifying to 
him, become changed for others which are 
more agreeable, and which characterize those 
whom he considers to be models of good be- 
havior. Time goes on until even sophomoric 
dignity has been attained and passed, and, by- 
and-by, graduation honors are conferred upon 
him. Thus it is, that, by associating with the 
cultured and refined, he has become so him- 
self; and the results of his wise decision to 
secure an education cannot be hidden. They 
are manifest in well-chosen language, in his 
reading, writing, conduct, manners and every- 
thing. 

Moses, after talking with God upon Mount 
Sinai, was obliged to veil his face that the peo- 
ple might not be dazzled by the radiant glory 
with which it was illumined, for his face shone 
so that they could not look upon it. And will 
not believers who walk with God to-day, living 
in communion with Him, learning of Him con- 
stantly, and reducing to practice the instruction 



228 GRACE SUFFICIENT. 

of the Father, become so influenced, strength- 
ened and transformed as to exhibit uncommon 
radiance and power among men? Will not this 
"more excellent way" of living display tangi- 
ble results? Nothing can be more certain than 
this. And now, after having portrayed the 
life of faith and of love to God, we desire to 
spend a little time in observing some of the 
characteristics seen in those who have truly 
entered into this intimate and blessed relation- 
ship with Him. We can notice but a few; yet 
all that will be needed to express an idea of 
the advantages conferred upon those who de- 
termine that they will not retain their habits of 
transgressing, but will "lose their (sinful) lives" 
for Christ's sake; and I trust a sufficient num- 
ber to enkindle within some sin-weary soul 
yearnings for the " rest of faith, " 

Victory amid opposing forces deserves our 
attention in noting the life of him who proves 
the sufficiency of divine grace. We say "op- 
posing forces," for though the believer is now 
liberated from oppression, he is still in the 
world, and must accept his share of its griev- 
ances in common with his fellow-men. Possi- 
bly more are presented than might naturally 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 229 

be expected, for he has dared to declare him- 
self an avowed enemy of wrong, and steps to 
the front in the battle for truth and righteous- 
ness. He is subjected to the hottest of the 
enemy's fire. This man is to accomplish more 
toward arresting the progress of iniquity than 
a score of his more fearful brethren who live 
on carelessly year after year, but are not 
aggressive. Satan is not ignorant of the fact, 
and, naturally enough, singles him out as the 
special object of his wrath. He hurls at him 
his most deadly missiles, in his determination 
to destroy him. Temptations of the severest 
description are repeatedly presented, and the 
minutest avenues of the soul are searched, if, 
haply, they may be found unguarded, and an 
entrance be gained. But Satan discovers, to 
his chagrin, that all are closed and barred 
against him; that an impenetrable barrier 
surrounds God's beloved who refuses to listen 
to the tempter. His sharp and fiery darts are 
repelled as the shot and shell that glance from 
the sides of an ironclad vessel, while the Chris- 
tian, meantime, rejoicing in God's delivering 
grace, renews his vigor and stands ready to 
give battle to the lurking foe. 



2 3 o GRACE SUFFICIENT. 

Troubles of the keenest nature often assail 
the soul. They surprise, astonish, almost be- 
wilder him, for he was not expecting anything 
of that kind. As an unlooked-for hailstorm, 
as an avalanche, as a resistless freshet, they 
bear down upon him until it would seem that 
he must be destroyed. But not so! He is 
prepared for them; and with the calm strength 
of ever-growing confidence in the Mighty to 
Save, he meets and overcomes them. His love 
for God remains unchanged, and well he knows 
that God means not to torture him; so with the 
assurance that beyond his understanding lies 
a reason for the ordeal, he accepts, with thank- 
ful spirit, what must, in some unknown way, 
work out his greatest good. Shall his faith 
fail now, just at the point where God desires to 
prove its loyalty? Shall his love depart be- 
cause a cloud of sorrow, strange and dark, has 
settled down upon him? Ah! it is now that he 
has the most imperative need of it, and now 
that it is most serviceable. Looking still to 
God, his prayer ascends — "Oh, God! I do not 
understand, but only know that Thou art love. 
I see no reason, I need none. Thy reason is a 
good one, I trust Thee still. Send what is best, 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 231 

only give Thyself. Let my soul be purified at 
any cost, even though the furnace be required. 
Teach me such lessons as I have need to know, 
for I am anxious to learn them all. The trial 
is not unnecessary, for Thou dost not 'willingly 
afflict.' It will not be too severe. It cannot 
overcome me, for Thou hast said Thy 'grace is 
sufficient' for me. I believe it ; I trust that 
grace. Let me then patiently endure, for I 
know that when Thou seest it is enough, Thou 
wilt relieve. " Will God withhold acknowledg- 
ment of this confidence? Never! And will 
trouble prove an injury to one who thus hides 
himself in God? It will but assist him in 
pressing nearer to the Divine. The tempest is 
in his favor, and speeds him heavenward, while 
those who know but little of God's love are 
dazed, only coming forth victorious after long 
and weary conflict, in which they are menaced 
with defeat at every turn. 

Two vessels are laboring in the same storm 
upon the same troubled waters; the one beat- 
ing against the tempest, and the other running 
before it with wind and waves in her favor. 
How different are the effects of this storm upon 
these respective vessels. The effect upon the 



232 GRACE SUFFICIENT. 

former is neither agreeable nor satisfactory. 
She struggles on, mounting the billow's crest 
at one time, then burying her prow as the 
receding wave leaves a deep valley in which she 
is almost hidden from view; then up again, the 
spray dashing against the bows, rising far above 
the bulwarks, then falling in torrents, drench- 
ing everything that is not under cover; and, 
notwithstanding the labor is so heavy, the 
progress made against the storm and toward 
the port of destination is very small indeed, 
for wind and waves beat in the opposite direc- 
tion. 

The other vessel, running before the storm, 
has a different kind of voyage altogether. 
Away she speeds, with canvas like outspread 
wings extended to invite the assistance of the 
gale. True, there is much tossing and rolling 
to the vessel as she is rocked by the resistless 
billows, but it is an easy motion, and every 
gust of wind, and every wave that does its 
worst to sink the ship but assists in wafting 
the victorious vessel toward the port of rest. 

And I have thought that similar are the 
effects of the same tempest of trouble upon 
different voyagers on the sea of life. One of 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 233 

these living at such a distance from his God 
that burdens and afflictions readily disturb; the 
other so near that "in all these things he is 
more than conqueror." In the first case, 
Christian duty is not as agreeable as it should 
be, for the storms of life are severe enough 
to imbitter the voyage; and after all his suf- 
fering, the progress heavenward is scarcely 
perceptible. But in the second case, it is 
different. He reasons thus: Since "all things 
work together for good," this storm must; 
and as I am in it, I mean to make the best 
of it. His course is laid, the canvas un- 
furled, 'the fastenings which held him to the 
earthly are cut loose, and away he skims over 
the restless waters of " light affliction, which is 
but for a moment," and which is to work for 
him " a far more exceeding and eternal weight 
of glory. " 

A happy independence which fills the heart 
with joy and the lips with praise, forms a 
characteristic of him who walks with God. 
Matters are not as they once were with him. 
Memory takes him back to the time when he 
was troubled about many things which lack 
power to reach him now, for he has risen above 



234 GRACE SUFFICIENT. 

them. He has learned in whatever state he is, 
1 'therewith to be content;" to accept his posi- 
tion and be thankful. The time was when he 
could not do this, but met misfortune with 
impatience, anger or indifference. To-day he 
meets it with resignation; which implies the 
difference between the spirit of the stoic who 
could witness the approach of the inevitable 
with a grim, deliberate coldness, and declare 
his fearlessness of meeting the doom awaiting 
him, and the cheerful willingness expressed in 
the words of Paul, who, upon receiving the in- 
telligence that the worst that man could inflict 
was to befall him, exclaimed, in the calm spirit 
so prominent throughout his life, *T am now 
ready to be offered, and the time of my de- 
parture is at hand. I have fought a good fight, 
I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; 
henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to 
me only, but unto all them also that love His 
appearing." No vain regrets are his, no rebell- 
ion because of gloomy prospects, but a restful, 
happy readiness to accept whatever is to come, 
knowing that he still is in the hands of God, 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 235 

and not of men who simply become instru- 
ments of furthering his highest interest. 

Such independence, which only the grace 
of God can give, is ever prominent in the life 
of him who permits God to have his own way; 
and it is exhibited among the ordinary activ- 
ities of life. Men sometimes hold convictions 
of right and truth, but scarcely dare express 
them lest the reflection of public sentiment 
cripple their popularity or affect their reputa- 
tion. But no such fear binds the hands or 
closes the lips of him who walks with God; for 
God does not thus teach his children. This 
man will declare the truth whether reputa- 
tion suffers or not; whether public opinion 
smiles or frowns; whether friends or enemies 
are gained; whether his business is benefited 
or injured; his treasury filled or emptied. He 
must speak. He cannot do otherwise, for he 
lives to please God, not man; to glorify his 
Father, not to gratify listeners whose feel- 
ings are, perhaps, more tender than their con- 
sciences. And he will and does speak, while 
God cares for the results. Nor does this imply 
the severe, imprudent and unnecessary use of 
the tongue which many suppose themselves 



236 GRACE SUFFICIENT. 

called to make, yet which results only in 
stirring the indignation of men without con- 
ferring any possible good; but, instead, a wise 
and thoughtful rebuke of wrong, whether beheld 
in Christians or others. 

Many who should be as fearless in denounc- 
ing evil as the sunbeam is in searching out the 
darkened corners of the earth, are held in check 
because they fear the rebounding influence of 
their words against themselves. Such a spirit 
has even been known to reduce the usefulness 
of Christian instructors. More sufferance has 
sometimes been shown tow r ard inconsistent 
brethren of prominent social standing or large 
financial ability, than to others no more culp- 
able, but who were of lowly position and poor, 
and did not wield such influence or power 
as could reflect unfavorably if employed. But 
should not evil be rebuked as faithfully in men 
of power as in those whose retaliation, if made, 
could work no material discomfort? There 
should be no fear in the hearts of Gods embas- 
sadors save that of displeasing Him; no appre- 
hension that God will refuse to support His 
faithful ones, and they be left to suffer — 
and, indeed, it would be better to suffer, if 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 237 

necessary, than to leave duty unperformed. 
But God will care for those who fearlessly con- 
fide in Him, so that no disquietude is necessary. 
More will always be lost from spiritual power 
than can possibly be gained pecuniarily, by 
only measurably rebuking sin where well- 
founded convictions justify nothing but the 
plainest speech. The minister of Christ whose 
undivided heart seeks only the glory of God, 
will not be tempted to unfaithfulness by such 
fear. He is a free man. He is God's man, 
and God does not forget him. He lives, 
labors, sacrifices for God, and God is his de- 
fense. God shelters him, protects him, and so 
long as heaven and earth belong to God, he 
need have no uneasiness; and so he is content; 
and if, by any possibility, the Heavenly Father 
should become so impoverished as to be abso- 
lutely unable to supply his child's necessities, 
that child, with still faithful love and self-denial 
would consider it his delight to share the pov- 
erty of his Father, who freely gave while He 
was able. But so long as God possesses all 
things, there can be no danger of want to him 
who fully trusts His power and willingness to 
supply. Our "Heavenly Father knoweth that 



238 GRACE SUFFICIENT. 

we have need of all these things." What is 
needed will come somehow , for God is true; and 
if there seems to be an unusual scarcity, the 
very fact, if it can do nothing more, will at 
least furnish opportunity for faith to soar and 
overcome. A good theory, you say; truth: 
but the practice is far better. Oh, for a stead- 
fast faith in God! 

Yet He will encourage neither extrava- 
gance nor idleness in any man. While there 
are deserving poor whose claim upon our char- 
ity none are disposed to deny, much of what 
passes for poverty is only mismanagement — 
an unnecessary expenditure of what, if wisely 
used, would be sufficient. Many appear to 
have no idea for what money is given, nor how 
to use it. They squander it as soon as it is 
obtained, and are always poor — probably al- 
ways will be. Others are proud and presump- 
tuous, and work is something to which they 
will not condescend. Now, with a word of 
advice to such unfortunates as these, we will 
return from this digression. To the first, 
Christ's command to "gather up the fragments, 
that nothing be lost," might teach such a lesson 
of economy, if wisely considered, as would 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 239 

awaken the assurance of happier days, and 
invite the smile of fortune. The second might 
be profited by remembering that "God is no 
respecter of persons," and that he was not to 
be excepted when God declared, "In the sweat 
of thy face thou shalt eat bread,'' and that "if 
any would not work neither should he eat." 
There is a harmony in the conjoined life of 
faith and works which cannot be broken with- 
out producing discord. But he who truly 
walks with God so marks the necessity of living 
this two-fold life that the danger of inconsis- 
tency therein is readily perceived wherever 
it exists; and it is no sooner detected than 
avoided. 

Freedom from uneasiness regarding the 
future contributes generously toward the joys 
of him who daily proves the sufficient grace of 
God. People can usually endure the trials of 
the day, but the superadded burden of pro- 
spective trouble is too much for them. Yet 
these unnecessary burdens borne form no 
small proportion of the aggregate. But the 
promise, "As thy days, so shall thy strength 
be/' does not presuppose that we encumber 
ourselves with the weight of future trials; it 



2 4 o GRACE SUFFICIENT. 

rather consoles us with the assurance that, if 
faithful, we shall be enabled to master simply 
the difficulties of each day as they appear, with- 
out uneasiness for what is further on. Most 
any one might be crushed if compelled to suffer 
from expectation of the possible results which 
looked-for trial may produce. If we were cer- 
tain that next month our entire possessions 
were to be destroyed, that the month following 
many of our dearest friends would be stricken 
in death, that still later the few remaining 
would turn to be our enemies, and that in con- 
sequence of these afflictions health would fail 
and life become a burden, the depression of 
our spirits would be such that the present, 
also, would be almost unendurable. But we 
know nothing of the kind, however dark this 
day may be; nor have we permission to worry. 
God is love to-day, and enables us to endure; 
He will be the same to-morrow, and will give 
strength for the burdens of to-morrow. 

Do any of us suppose that God will leave 
us in trial to which our strength is positively 
unequal, and thus permit us to be crushed 
beneath its weight, when He has a thousand 
ways by which He is able to deliver? If so, 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 241 

we are distrustful, and will do well to bow at 
once in tearful penitence before God, confess 
our littleness of faith, and implore that grace 
which is ready for all who will become pos- 
sessors of it. The thought is scarcely conceiv- 
able to the obedient child who loves with all 
his power, and walks by faith alone. Some 
change of conditions will come before his 
strength has failed. Some rift in the storm- 
cloud will let the sunbeam through. Relief, 
coming, it may be, from the most unexpected 
quarter, will change his faith to sight, and he 
will be convinced that God was guiding all the 
while, though it seemed that he was left to 
suffer alone. And when the test is over, and 
the Christian, true and tried, is made to under- 
stand the meaning of such mysterious treatment, 
in the ' 'peaceable fruits of righteousness," he 
will gladly confess that God knew better than 
he. I have beheld Christians whose faith in the 
midst of mighty conflict was truly sublime. 
While under a pressure so terrific that it seemed 
they must succumb, they held fast; they 
regarded the trial with comparative indifference. 
They smiled at it; they seemed to say, "Do 
your worst, our souls are immovable. You 



242 GRACE SUFFICIENT. 

cannot disturb us! God reigns; we trust Him; 
and He will give us victory." And victory 
came. Then when I compared my own faith, 
and saw its littleness, my sorrow was stirred, 
and my prayer to God arose, ' 'Teach me this 
lesson also! Let me serve as these. If trial 
be most necessary, or sorrow, or disappoint- 
ment, I am willing they should come, but let 
me love and trust as these." 

There is such a thing as living without 
afflicting ourselves with more actual burdens 
than God desires we should carry; and if we 
assume those only which He imposes, we 
never shall be the worse for burden-bearing. 
While sharing those of others, obedient to His 
mandate, His mighty arm around us, shall 
preserve us from all harm. The future, to 
him who lives aright, is radiant with hope and 
joy, rather than overcast at the prospect of en- 
during trial which possibly may prove too great, 
and crush him. Nothing can reach him without 
God's notice or permission, and he believes God 
is able to sustain him under any trial, and that 
He will do so, too, or else deliver him by its 
removal. And this is enough for him. With 
this he is content. Then, casting his eye for- 



GRACE SUFFICIENT. 243 

ward, where, looming before his spiritual vision, 
just beyond these present things, he beholds 
the city of his God toward which his wearied 
feet are tending, as he sees other faithful ones 
who patiently endured life's keenest suffering, 
laying aside the mantle of earth, well worn and 
dusty, and receiving the crown and robe of 
everlasting life, resplendent in the fadeless 
beauty of the better world, he forgets his weari- 
ness in the glorious hope of immortality. The 
veil seems for the time withdrawn. His eye can 
almost distinguish the familiar forms now 
invigorated to die no more. His ear seems to 
catch the music of the redeemed host he is soon 
to join: he is ''in a strait betwixt two, having 
a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which 
is far better;" yet is content to stay. 



244 REST. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



REST. 



The benediction of undisturbed rest is the 
only addition we will here make to this incom- 
plete catalogue of privileges enjoyed by those 
who live in daily possession of God's sufficient 
grace: a blessing sought and eulogized wher- 
ever man is known, but experienced by a sur- 
prisingly small fraction of the race. Every 
one craves rest. Careworn souls, turning away 
from the vision of weary years of trial and 
bereavement to friends upon whom sorrows 
press but lightly, wonder at the beauties life 
seems to hold for them, and ask the secret of 
their peacefulness, enquiring where this rest is 
to be found. Disappointed hearts, returning 
from the futile chase for joys which kept so 
near, but just beyond their reach, tantalizing, 
beguiling, inviting, yet receding faster than the 
swiftest feet could follow, come, breathless and 
panting, ready at last to relinquish the long- 



REST. 245 



continued pursuit, and, drooping with weari- 
ness, imploringly ask for rest. Beautiful home- 
circles, long unbroken by the ravages of the 
destroyer, and all the more perfect by the firm- 
ness of affection's cords, grown to be so ma- 
ture, must be broken now. The cords must be 
parted, and all the attendant pain endured. 
Hearts must bleed, tears must flow. And 
now, the bereaved, sighing for an hour of for- 
getfulness, in which they may recruit their 
vigor, looking away from this, the keenest 
sorrow they have known, with swollen eyes 
and with sobs that melt the sternest heart, ap- 
peal to our sympathies and ask, "Can you not 
tell us where we may find rest?" 

But this call for relief is not the most import- 
unate. Following the bier is a sympathizing 
friend: a mother upon whose brow the lines of 
suffering are deeply drawn. At the grave's 
mouth she stands with the bereaved who are so 
confident that they have tasted of life's keenest 
sorrow. But in that stricken face the experi- 
enced eye can read a tale of grief heavier far 
than tearful eyes can tell. In silence she looks 
upon the scene, but does not weep. Ah! if 
she could, her sufferings would be eased, but 



246 REST. 

she cannot. She beholds almost with envy their 
favored lot: at least, with gratitude in their 
behalf, that their deepest anguish brings tears 
of relief, and is so much lighter than her own. 
This mother has a wayward boy; an only son, 
around whom her fondest hope had twined. 
But in youth's slippery paths he fell. Regard- 
less of her warning and instruction, he "walked 
in the ways of his heart and in the sight of his 
eyes;" and now he is obliged to suffer the 
consequences of his iniquity. Sin has de- 
stroyed him. It has ruined his health, black- 
ened his character, blasted his hope, and 
shattered him beyond recovery. He still 
exists, but is a wreck in mind and body, with- 
out a hope of any good beyond. And as this 
mother stands by the grave of innocence, wit- 
nesses the fountain-flow of tears, and with its 
loving ones takes a farewell look at the marble 
face, with a bursting heart at the remembrance 
of what is worse, a hundred-fold, than death, 
the involuntary whisper escapes her lips — 
"Would that my own loved one had thus been 
buried ere sin had worked his ruin." And as 
she turns away to lift again the intolerable bur- 
den, we meet the same haggard, almost despair- 



REST. 247 



ing look, which asks with deeper emphasis 
than words can give, "Do you think that there 
is rest for me?" 

All classes are in search of rest. The cry 
for it reverberates upon a thousand hill -tops 
and echoes along the fertile valleys of the 
earth. It comes to us from the north; the 
south also js calling for rest. They seek it in 
the east, nor is the west satisfied without it. 
Millionaires have everything beside it; the pen- 
niless desire it above the bread they crave. 
Health cannot satisfy without it; with it, sick- 
ness is powerless to disturb. Ease becomes 
wearisome if rest of soul be absent; its pres- 
ence makes the heaviest burdens light. With- 
out it, we sigh; but this soul-rest turns our 
sighing into singing. Bitter tears flow where 
it does not abide; but with rest, tears lose their 
bitterness. V/hat price is too dear to pay for 
rest of soul? Cheerfully will they endure hard- 
ness for a season, if but the assurance of its 
coming attend the labors of its famished seek- 
ers. They wi41 work till hands are brown and 
callous from their toil ; till brains are weary, 
eyes are dim, and limbs grow feeble. They 
will deny themselves the comfort of the pres- 



248 REST. 

ent, modify arrangements for the future, to 
prepare for its enjoyment, and engage every 
power, to the end that this priceless boon be 
made their own. 

Yet while it stands knocking at their very 
doors they will not take it! While it sits 
awaiting entertainment, they turn away as if it 
were an intruder upon their time! While it 
offers itself saying, "I will confer enduring 
comfort," they refuse, as if because so readily 
obtained it could not be worth the taking. 
They would work for it, yet seem unwilling to 
accept it as a gift. But oh, wearied one, have 
you not labored long enough to no account? 
Have you not yet borne enough? Have you not 
suffered enough, sighed, wept, sought, agonized 
and called? Have you not already spent too 
much time and means without avail, conscious, 
after all this anxiety, of the same hungering, 
thirsting, aching heart? Have you not experi- 
mented until convinced that such is not the 
means by which the pearl may be discovered? 
Have you not tried all that reason bids you 
venture? Alas 'tis true! but your soul is bur- 
dened still. Now cease your random search 
and embrace the blessing just outside your 



REST. 249 

heart. Rest is there! Rest for you. Rest 
now. Rest forever. The grace of God includes 
it, and comes to you laden with its sweetness. 
Walk with God, and it shall be yours this day 
and evermore! "Come unto me," said Christ, 
"all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I 
will give you rest" That means you if you are 
burdened. Surely^ you do not doubt it! You 
would not say that because your burdens are 
peculiar, and unaccountably afflicting, that 
therefore Christ is unable to fulfill His word? 
Then he must mean you just as you are; and 
the heavier the burden the greater is your need 
of relief. It signifies nothing whether the 
burden be great or small. He can bear it in 
either case. Therefore, bring it to Him, and 
having done so, leave it with Him. You must 
do it; the privilege is too great to be neglected. 
Christ loves you and would not see you bur- 
dened thus. He commands you* to do it, and if 
you love Him you will obey. Having "come" 
to Christ, having "taken" His "yoke," and 
"learned" of Him, the unqualified promise is, 
you "shall find rest. " Now, if you do not find 
rest it will be because of some reserve; for the 
promise stands unchanged. Rest is always 



250 REST. 



given when the conditions are fully met. Then 
plead no excuse; your case is not an excep- 
tional one. You shall have rest if you will 
accept it. Then do so and "go in peace." 

The cause of unrest among believers is not 
the excessive w r eight of burdens, not the 
severity of trial, for often the fully consecrated, 
who enjoy the sweetest rest, are they whose 
material surroundings are of the most distress- 
ing character, subjecting them to sorrows 
calculated to harrow beyond expression; yet 
they ride on victoriously, while others with far 
less reason for complaint are disturbed much of 
the time. The cause lies within themselves; 
and consists in what has been portrayed 
throughout previous chapters of this book; 
namely, a partial reception, only, of the grace 
which would drive forever from their lives such 
inconsistencies as are often deplored in peni- 
tence and sorrow. Neither victory nor rest shall 
ever gladden our hearts by the simple absence 
of the ills of life, but rather through divine 
strength being brought to our assistance. And 
this can only be done by the concurrence of 
our wills; including, and, indeed, necessitating 
an unreserved surrender to God. Oh, if this 



REST. 251 



work be accomplished, what mighty results will 
follow! It will be as natural for us to rest in 
God as it is for us to breathe. Soul-rest will 
be ours continually, and effective labor for God 
the outward expression. As the child, timid, 
fearful, unwilling to venture, when alone, 
becomes wonderfully brave when conscious of 
his father's presence, so we, though formerly 
helpless, will, by the abiding presence of 
our God, venture anything, everything, so 
long as it be in the defense of truth and in 
obedience to the Father who has promised to 
protect us. 

And what shall be able to disturb us while 
God's strength is still our own? Shall it be the 
remembrance of weary years of trouble? Shall 
it be a death-bed scene? Shall it be painful 
memories of loved ones who have failed, and 
thus mortified or grieved us? I tell you it will 
not be found in these things to molest the repose 
abiding in our hearts. While the surface may 
sometimes show agitation, the peaceful cur- 
rents of the soul will move on toward the 
boundless ocean of God Himself, from whence 
came this wondrous grace; then the tide of 
His love will come, overwhelming the little 



252 REST. 



disappointments of an hour, drowning our 
sorrows, stilling in eternal death our murmur- 
ings, washing away the stains our sins had 
left, and thrilling with a heavenly joy our souls, 
as, standing in bewilderment, we demand, with 
the astonished Paul, whose words were unequal 
to his rapture, "Who shall separate us from the 
love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or 
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, 
or sword? As it is written, For Thy sake we 
are killed all the day long; we are accounted 
as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these 
things we are more than conquerors through 
Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that 
neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor princi-. 
palities, nor powers, nor things present, nor 
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any 
other creature, shall be able to separate us from 
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our 
Lord." 



CONCLUSION. 253 



CHAPTER XV. 



CONCLUSION. 

If tears wrung from our griefs may water 
the flowers which shall bring smiles to sad- 
dened faces, as, wandering long upon a joyless 
pathway, wearied ones seek fadeless pleasures, 
shall we not willingly weep? 

If the toil of hands now well used to work, 
and the journeys of feet not easily fatigued may 
provide rest for feeble ones who would gladly 
labor, but for weakness of the flesh, shall we 
refuse the comfort we thus may purchase for 
them? 

If trials which cannot injure, but only 
strengthen when faithfully endured, may open 
to us fields of usefulness, and enable us to clear 
away the boulders against which others might 
otherwise be bruised and crippled, shall we 
shrink from facing them like men? 

If dangers encountered in the turbulent 
channel whose waters murmur the death-knell 



254 CONCLUSION. 



of many who have been overwhelmed (but ren- 
dered harmless to us through a loving Provi- 
dence which turned them to good account), 
may enable us more emphatically to ring out 
to others the warning cry, shall we waste time 
in shuddering at the thought of what might have 
been, while others, ignorant of the treachery 
these waters conceal, are floating down the 
current and approaching certain death? Shall 
we not rather lift up our voices, and "cry 
aloud" and "spare not," that they may be 
checked before it is too late? 

A few years since, I dreamed that I was 
floating in a light canoe upon a lake. It will 
be impossible to describe the beauty of the 
surroundings, though everything is painted 
indelibly upon my memory. The lake was 
large and like a sea of crystal. Not a breath 
of wind ruffled its placid bosom, which spread 
for miles before me. The banks were pictur- 
esque, and fringed the lake with a border of 
living verdure, reflected to perfection in the 
glassy water. At some points they rose almost 
abruptly; then the picture was relieved by .a 
long, gradual ascent which merged into a mass 
of luxuriant foliage. 



CONCLUSION. 255 

My boat was but a few rods from the shore, 
and as I sat there, holding the paddle with both 
hands, it seemed that no position could be 
pleasanter or safer than the one I held. Boat- 
ing had been my favorite amusement, almost 
from infancy, and I flattered myself that I pos- 
sessed some skill in that pastime; yet did not 
suppose that even the most inexperienced per- 
son could find anything to fear in a situation 
such as was mine. Still, I felt strangely sol- 
emn. I knew not why, but I was sad. I felt 
very much as one does while attending the 
funeral services of some dear friend, and as 
though it would require but little to start the # 
tears. 

My sister walked on the beach, near by, 
and was singing a familiar tune in which I might 
have taken part. But I did not join her this 
time. I felt too solemn to sing, yet appre- 
ciated the music, which was attended by the 
peculiar charm that the stillness of the air be- 
side an expanse of water always, lends. Now 
and then I would look off to where she stood, 
and though conscious of no fear, felt a strange 
uneasiness creeping over me, which increased 
my sadness, and caused me to almost envy her 



256 CONCLUSION. 

position.* Thus we spent some time; my sis- 
ter singing, while I floated on, occasionally 
casting a wistful glance to the beach, which ap- 
peared so smooth and safe. After a while I 
detected a slight current in the water, but the 
only preceptible difference it made with me 
was that propelling the boat required still less 
exertion. Happening to look up, I saw an 
outlet to the lake some distance before me. It 
was very narrow, not wide enough to be danger- 
ous, I thought, and my curiosity was aroused 
to explore. Grasping the paddle with firmer 
hand, I guided the boat, which now moved on 
as rapidly as desirable without my assistance. 
And now I was close to the opening. It 
seemed that it was not more than a few rods in 
width. The water just here was charming. 
The flow was so uniform that not a ripple 
could be seen. I could even look over the rap- 
ids, and see quite a distance beyond. There 
was no abrupt fall to the water, but it moved 
grandly over a slightly inclined plane with- 
out a noticeable break. No jutting rocks nor 
fallen trees could here be seen to disturb the 
surface, but noiselessly, sublimely, it moved on. 
"Here is an opportunity," thought I, "to exer- 



CONCLUSION. 257 



cise my skill. The water is so smooth, the 
descent so gradual, there can be no possible 
danger in floating over the falls. I will try it 
anyway.'' And so I did. Bracing myself in 
proper attitude, I pointed the boat's prow to- 
ward the center of the rapids, and over I shot 
as an arrow! I cannot describe my feelings at 
that thrilling moment, nor the thoughts that 
flashed through my mind. But after darting 
down, down, I knew not where, as quick as 
thought my boat was stopped! It had become 
wedged in the crevice of a protruding rock 
which could not be seen from the top of the 
opening, and there for a moment I trembled. 
A resistless flood behind, certain death before! 
And now the water commenced to foam and 
seethe with deafening roar. At that critical 
moment a tremulous voice close to my side, 
expressive of the most intense alarm and grief 
at the danger of my position, sounded above 
the thunder of the cataract, and increased, ten- 
fold, my terror by the words: " Take c-a-r-e! 
Take C-A-R-E !" and with a shudder I awoke. 
But the tears which would fall in spite of me, 
told how deep an impression had been made. 
It can never be forgotten. 



258 CONCLUSION. 



I have been endeavoring, myself, to " take 
care," and also to convince others that their 
own skill upon the sea of life, however great, 
is insufficient; that there are outlets, and rap- 
ids, and precipitous falls, into which they may 
be unconsciously drawn, only to meet their 
doom. Would to God that I might awaken 
you, dear reader, to the knowledge of your un- 
seen danger (if you have followed my thought 
up to this page without accepting the Saviors 
proffered help). Would that you might be 
brought to realize your inability to weather the 
storms of life, unaided by grace divine, and 
realizing it, seek, without delay, the strength 
you need. Stronger men than either of us are 
gliding over the falls to their eternal destiny of 
woe. Oh! who will warn them of their dan- 
ger? Who will extend a hand to check them? 
I see them upon the brink. I hear their 
cry as they are borne over the flood to be 
lost forever and ever! Upon the stream are 
sinners of every rank; some better, some 
worse; but all powerless to save themselves. 

The skeptic is there, blaspheming the name 
of Jesus as he glides helplessly along. On, 
and yet on, the current bears him, till, sud- 



CONCLUSION. 259 



denly, with a shriek, he is hurled into the abyss, 
and there is none to deliver. There floats also 
the careless ; kind and good, as goodness is 
commonly accounted, but he is trifling with the 
treacherous waters beneath him. They are 
smooth and without a ripple ; the rapids are 
far away; the motion of his canoe is just swift 
enough to be pleasurable : and thus he drifts 
on until he, also, is surprised by the opening 
before him, the rapidity of the current, the 
seething of the waters, and the din of the de- 
scending flood; and now that it is too late, his 
desperation is aroused; he struggles mightily, 
but as a feather he is borne onward, and over 
he goes, to join the lost who never, never can 
return! 

There, too, is one who has obtainedposition 
among the children of the King; yet, carelessly 
conforming to the world, he floats with the un- 
godly toward the abyss of ruin. Now an anx- 
ious one calls loudly from the shore, enquiring, 
as he marvels at such recklessness," My brother, 
are you safe?" Startled at such impertinence, 
and exhibiting the cloak of his self-righteous- 
ness, his answer echoes, " I belong to the 
church;" and onward he drifts with the god- 



260 CONCLUSION. 

less toward his eternal destiny. Now he stands 
before the Judge, that he may receive his re- 
ward for "the deeds done in the body. " But 
his cloak cannot be found! He deceived men, 
he deceived himself, but he cannot deceive his 
Maker! The blackness of his unregenerate 
heart cannot be concealed, and God's sentence 
passes — " Depart from me, ye that work iniq- 
uity. " 

Oh ! reader, whatever remains neglected, 
make sure of salvation! Seek it! Seek it now! 
Seek it with all your heart, and it shall be 
yours! "Seek ye the Lord while He may be 
found, call ye upon Him while He is near. Let 
the wicked forsake his way, and the unright- 
eous man his thoughts : and let him return 
unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon 
him; and to our God, for He will abundantly 
pardon. " Reader, this is the only opportunity 
you can call your own! To-morrow the spirit 
may have departed. Next week may be too 
late. If you intend ever to be a Christian, 
commence to-day — commence now. Plead not 
your youth. If you are old enough to realize 
your sinfulness, you are of sufficient age to 
know your need of Christ. Away with the 



CONCLUSION. 261 



idea that children are too young to come, while 
the Holy Spirit is seeking admittance to their 
hearts! Are not the children called? Did not 
Christ say, " Suffer little children, and forbid 
them not, to come unto me: for of such is the 
kingdom of heaven?"* Whosoever would 
hinder one of the least of these, calls down 
God's displeasure. Plead not your age, for 
though you have sinned until your heart has 
become as hard as the brooklet's stony bed, 
remember God has promised that He would 
take away the stony heart out of your flesh, 
and give you a " heart of flesh, "f Remember 
the dying thief, and know that " though vile as 
he," Christ will wash away each sinful stain. 
Plead not the poverty of your soul. Ah! it 
was for this Christ died. " For ye know the 
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though 
He was rich, yet for your sakes he became 
poor, that ye through His poverty might be 
rich. "| Plead not your feebleness, nor sup- 
pose that because earthly hopes have faded, 
you must also be left without a hope of heaven. 
What though sickness has laid its relentless 
hand upon your frame, forbidding the accom- 
* Matt, xix., 14. \ Ezek. xi., 19. % 2 Cor. viii., 9. 



262 CONCLUSION. 



plishment of cherished plans? If any one in 
this world needs salvation, I am sure it is you; 
for when the avenues of earthly pleasure have 
thus been closed against you, life must indeed 
be dreary without a fair prospect of " immor- 
tality and eternal life. '' Has your enfeeble- 
ment disheartened you, giving you to feel that 
because you are unable to-work as others, you 
therefore are of little account? Then relin- 
quish, this hour, such a notion; for not always 
he who is most active pleases God the best. 
Who cannot labor, if hearth be unimpaired? 
Any one can; and such a person may accom- 
plish much for God. But does he who endures 
the blight of disease without a murmur accom- 
plish nothing? God does not so judge. If 
patiently, sweetly, lovingly, the trial is borne 
for Jesus' sake, the reward from your Father 
which is in heaven, shall be great. 

What though trouble assail, coming upon 
you as a December's blast? Wait not till it is 
overpast! for the storm may be terrible and 
long. Get the victory in it, remembering 
your source of strength. Meet it manfully, 
forgetting not that it is written "My grace is 
sufficient for thee: for my strength is made 



CONCLUSION. 263 



perfect in weakness.'' Make no plea, what- 
ever, save that you are a sinner, that you 
desire to be saved, that you must be saved, 
that you mean to be saved, and that you be- 
lieve Jesus Christ who "came into the world 
to save sinners" is able, willing, ready and anx- 
ious to save you now. Thus claiming Him as 
your own, trusting His power to deliver, you 
shall enter into rest. 

And now another word to you, fellow- 
soldier in the battle for truth. I cannot tell 
what victories you have won in the life of 
love to God, or what defeats have brought you 
low in tears and sorrow. I do not know the 
dangers you encounter day by day, how slip- 
pery are the paths you tread, nor how much 
fortitude will be required to enable you to 
stand. Some positions in life are emphatically 
dangerous, and can only be successfully main- 
tained by the most scrupulous caution. Yours 
may be so; it is not for me to say. But this 
much I shall affirm: that God is able to sustain 
you, and will do so if permitted. "Fear not, 
only believe;" and the reward shall confer its 
blessing upon your life. 



264 CONCLUSION. 

Should any believer with an experience 
which has never been extraordinary, and who 
lacks faith to believe such a thing is possible, 
after perusing these pages, feel disposed to 
disbelieve and oppose, we simply have to say 
that until you have come and put this matter 
to the actual test, you are unprepared to judge; 
and we pray you, that for your own good as well 
as for the good of those under your influence, do 
not hinder by opposition, if you cannot assist, 
but first of all come and make the trial without 
prejudice, doubt or fear. Come as you came 
at first for pardon; — honestly, willingly, rea- 
sonably, cheerfully; and if, after the trial has 
been fairly made, you still are unconvinced, there 
will be ample time for opposition. Ah, when 
you have taken this advice, you will have no 
disposition to oppose; but will join the army of 
those who unfurl to the world the banner of the 
Cross, bearing the testimony to God's marvel- 
ous grace, "We love Him because He first 
loved us. " Christian experience will then mean 
very much to you. Not merely a theory, good 
enough to furnish food for the mind, but never 
to be entertained when you are brought face to 
face with opposing elements, not a dream of 



CONCLUSION. 26 



the night to be forgotten with approaching 
day, but it will mean a part of your very 
being; and as you are made to marvel at the 
grace given unto you, the deepest regret of 
your life will be that so many years of valuable 
time were permitted to pass without a more 
intimate acquaintance w T ith the God who loved 
you so! 

And now, kind reader, I bid you farewell, 
praying that your love may remain steadfast, 
your faith immovable, and that your record 
may show a long catalogue of victories won for 
Christ. 




*fo 



